tracked leader, led over 4f out, soon clear, eased towards finish, unchallenged
tracked leaders in rear, weakened over 3f out
led, headed over 4f out, soon beaten
in rear, soon pushed along, went moderate 3rd over 3f out, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Jabal Taiq is selected as the best option here, while Leamington and Smarterthanuthink also make appeal as others to consider. The last named won a weak race here last time out and now needs to step things up another gear. That said, he did improve for the step up in trip and, as he gets lumps of weight from his main rivals, he should not be underestimated. Leamington enjoyed a good spell on the All Weather during the winter but was less than impressive back on turf at Chester last time out. This more conventional track will help but he still has a bit to prove; especially if Jabal Taiq dishes out a repeat dose from his only previous visit to Ripon. The Barry Hills-trained colt was highly impressive when winning his maiden here in April and then went on to contest a hot race at Newbury where he was found out by the rise in class. This is more his level and, even under top weight, this son of Rock Of Gibraltar is fancied to be too good for the rest.
Jabal Tariq 11-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 14, 8l behind Strategic Mission (8-10) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Pondapie (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 22l behind Full Speed (9-1) at York 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
Smarterthanuthink (USA) 4-1fav (9-4) Led, pushed along over 3f out, drew clear 2f out, stayed on well, won at Hamilton 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) gf beating Jemima's Art (8-2) by 4l, 13 ran.
St Johns Wood 40-1 (8-8) Dwelt, mid-division over 7f out when pulled up in race won by Laterly (9-6) at Thirsk 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gs, 12 ran.
Leamington (USA) 10-1 (9-2) Led, headed 4f out, weakened well over 2f out, last of 9, well behind Allied Powers (8-10) at Chester 1m 4f 3yo hcp (3) gd in May.
