From our shortlisted three of Rapsgate, Patavium Prince and Bingo One, we will side with Rapsgate. Rapsgate has been raised seven pounds for her Nottingham win but, having proven there that she acts with cut in the going, she can go well again. Bathwick Emma has yet to sparkle in two starts this season, while Xaluna Bay still has something to prove based on recent form, although he is encountering soft going for the first time today. Bingo One likes ease in the going and he made some late headway over course and distance last time so could improve further but is only three pounds better off for nearly eight lengths based on the form of that race with the winner Patavium Prince, who has to be respected even under a penalty. Colton was another that caught the eye making late headway last time, so is another that could show improvement, but North Fleet seems to have something to prove and Miltons Choice has disappointed three times since scoring on soft at Nottingham four runs ago. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Rapsgate.
Rapsgate (IRE) 4-1fav (9-1) Slowly into stride, outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Nottingham 5f 3yo fll hcp (5) sft in Apr beating Toy Top (8-8) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Bathwick Emma (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 11, 11l behind Bin Rahy (8-10) at Chepstow 1m 3yo hcp (4) sft.
Xaluna Bay (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon faded, 10th of 11, 5l behind Rochdale (9-4) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Bingo One (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 10th of 16, 8l behind Patavium Prince (8-12) at Salisbury 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Patavium Prince (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Pushed along towards rear, ridden 3f out, switched left 2f out, ran on well to lead final 100 yards, pushed out, won at Salisbury 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs beating Arculinge (8-4) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
North Fleet 9-1 (8-9) Pressed leaders on outer, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out, last of 10, 9l behind Devine Dancer (9-4) at Brighton 5f 3yo hcp (5) frm.
Colton 20-1 (9-0) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 6th of 16, 7l behind Starlight Gazer (8-11) at Windsor 6f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs.
Miltons Choice 20-1 (8-11) In rear, ridden and some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 15, 12l behind Damika (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (5) gd.
