chased leaders, not much room entering final 2f, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden along over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out,
restless in stalls, went left start, soon chased leaders on outside, ridden and every chance throughout final furlong, not quicken close home
chased leaders hard ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
outpaced and soon pushed along in rear, headway when not clear run from inside final 2f, switched sharply right inside final furlong, stayed on well towards finish
soon slight lead, hard ridden and pressed inside final furlong, headed close home, lost 2nd on line
bumped start, outpaced and pushed along in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
raced on stands rail, pressed leader, ridden 2f out, rallied gamely inside final furlong, stayed on under pressure to lead close home
Tim Easterby used to farm this race but Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan can claim their third combined win in seven runnings with NORMANDY MAID. The filly was green enough at Thirsk last month but still managed to land a maiden, before the soft ground at Newmarket appeared to be a valid excuse for her defeat when sent off favourite there last time. Back on this sound surface she is selected, although she does have to overcome the worst of the draw. No Poppy earned a deserved maiden win over course and distance last time, for which the handicapper has chosen to leave her on a mark of 70 for what is just her second handicap start. So far, like her sire, she has shown a preference for good or slower ground and if it keeps drying out then the going won't be ideal. Redcar seller winner Maggie Mey has been given a chance by the assessor with trip and ground to suit her, while Blaze Of Thunder looks a leading player from a good draw now that he has been eased in the weights.
Blaze Of Thunder (IRE) 8-11fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Alaskan Spirit (9-2) at Hamilton 6f 2yo auc hcp (5) gd.
Falkland Flyer (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 7l behind Talley Close (8-11) at Redcar 6f 2yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
No Poppy (IRE) 4-1fav (8-12) Made all stands side, driven clear that side and overall leader over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, held on near finish, won at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd beating Moral Issue (9-3) by 1l, 16 ran.
Normandy Maid 11-10fav (9-1) Held up in touch, took keen hold, edged left well over 1f out, soon ridden and edged right, hung left and no impression inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 3l behind Loki's Revenge (8-10) at Newmarket 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
Jibaal (IRE) 9-4 (9-3) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 10l behind Bahamian Sunset (8-12) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Jul.
Eland Ally 7-1 (8-13) Raced keenly, led after 1f, hung left to far rail halfway, clear 2f out, ridden hung left and reduced lead 1f out, headed towards finish, weakened to 3rd close home, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Sky Falcon (9-7) at Newcastle 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Philharmonic Hall 16-1 (7-12) Always towards rear, last of 12, 13l behind Royal Exchange (9-5) at Goodwood 7f 2yo hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Maggie Mey (IRE) 85-40fav (8-6) Went left start, with leaders, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Redcar 6f 2yo sll (6) gf beating Saxonette (8-6) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
