pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong
led, headed 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
dwelt, towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, ridden over 1f out, edged right, one pace final furlong
towards rear, driven over 2f out, never near to challenge
pushed along on outer, always in rear
The vote here goes to Hardy Norseman, with his main dangers reckoned to be Lucksin, Stoneacre Boy and Guto. Hardy Norseman has done enough in each start, including when fourth to Zambach at Lingfield last time, to suggest that he can be given solid enough claims. The shorter trip today than on that occasion might also help. Lucksin's third to High Curragh at Thirsk two runs ago reads well in the context of this race, while Stoneacre Boy improved on the all-weather last time - a race in which Guto was thee-quarters of a length behind him - and the pair hold claims if reproducing those efforts on grass. Finally, Pitbull showed some promise at Wolverhampton on his debut and Hotchpotch can improve on his debut effort at this shorter trip. The market should provide clues about the newcomers but, overall, we are happy to side with Hardy Norseman.
Hardy Norseman (IRE) 9-2 (8-11) Prominent, ridden and every chance 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 1l behind Zambach (8-5) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf.
Lucksin (IRE) 8-1 (7-11) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Calypso King (8-13) at Chester 5f 2yo hcp (4) gf.
Pitbull 40-1 (8-11) Prominent, weakening when slightly hampered over 2f out, 6th of 13, 13l behind Cavewarrior (9-0) at W'hampton 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol.
Hotchpotch (USA) 50-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride and always towards rear, no impression, 9th of 12, 10l behind Bling (8-9) at Salisbury 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs.
Stoneacre Boy (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Prominent, chased winner approaching final furlong, every chance well inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 10, nk behind Miss Lovat (8-9) at W'hampton 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol.
The Salwick Flyer (IRE) Tagula colt out of the mile-placed Shimla.
Dominello Primo Valentino colt out of an unraced mare.
Guideline 40-1 (8-11) Behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 7th of 18, 7l behind Ingleby Arch (9-0) at Redcar 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd.
Guto 6-1 (9-0) Dwelt and soon in touch, ridden and hanging right 2f out, switched right and ran on, not reach winner, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Miss Lovat (8-9) at W'hampton 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol.