tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish
with leader, every chance over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on, held near finish
towards rear, outpaced 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never nearer
behind, outpaced 2f out, never dangerous
held up behind, outpaced 2f out, never on terms
in touch, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, no impression final furlong
led, ridden well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, effort final furlong, kept on
held up, driven over 1f out, never dangerous
mid division, outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, raced keenly in rear, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
Melachrist can reverse recent form with No Time to land this competitive sprint handicap, where a big run can also be expected from Ptarmigan Ridge, even though he has to shoulder top weight. The last named is a five furlong specialist and still retains plenty of enthusiasm. He does not win that often but, as may be better giving weight away to lesser rivals theses days, he cannot be ruled out. No Time has also been expensive to follow and it is a long time since his days as a Listed-class performer. However, he has hit form at the right time for this and he may well have enough in the bag to overcome the 5lb extra he carries for winning at Folkestone earlier in the week. However, the revised terms do favour Melachrist and he gets the nod today. The ground will suit the son of Almaty and a big run is expected.
Ptarmigan Ridge 16-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 2l behind Geojimali (8-10) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Monashee Brave (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Mid-division and keen, weakened well over 1f out, 7th of 9, 6l behind Figaro Flyer (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Elkhorn 9-2 (9-1) In touch, ridden halfway, chased leaders over 1f out, one pace, 7th of 20, 4 1/2l behind Kay Two (9-4) at York 5f hcap (5) sft in Oct.
Soto 7-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 15, 1 1/2l behind La Matanza (8-12) at Hamilton 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Sept.
Mormeatmic 40-1 (9-0) Towards rear, never dangerous, 14th of 15, 9l behind Aegean Dancer (8-13) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Colorus (IRE) 9-1 (8-11) Raced alone far side, edged left to chase leaders after 2f, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 14, 9l behind Paddywack (8-10) at Ripon 5f app hcp (5) gf.
Henry Hall (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) Chased leaders to halfway, 11th of 15, 7l behind Aegean Dancer (8-13) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Melalchrist 15-8fav (8-13) Led, ridden 2f out, headed final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 14, 1/2l behind Desert Opal (8-8) at Nottingham 5f hcap (5) gf.
Pauvic (IRE) 33-1 (9-4) Behind final 3f, last of 10, 27l behind Winthorpe (8-4) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
No Time (IRE) 7-2 (7-11) Held up, not clear from over 1f out, switched right, challenged inside final furlong, ridden, edged left and led post, won at Folkestone 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf beating Azygous (9-4) by a shd, 8 ran.
Ryedane (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) In touch, soon driven along, weakened final furlong, 9th of 14, 4l behind Desert Opal (8-8) at Nottingham 5f hcap (5) gf.
George The Best (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Raced far side, held up behind, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 15, 6l behind Bel Cantor (9-1) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-70 (5) hvy in Oct.
Never Without Me 20-1 (8-8) Broke well, not much room after 1f, soon pushed along towards rear, headway under pressure approaching final furlong, soon one pace, 4th of 9, 4l behind Count Cougar (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Demolition Molly 100-1 (8-4) Dwelt, always behind, outpaced, last of 17, 22l behind Mystery Pips (8-6) at Catterick 5f app hcp (6) gf in Oct '05.