always in rear group, struggling final 3f
tracked leaders until weakened 2f out
in rear, some late headway over 1f out, never a danger
prominent, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, no headway 2f out, kept on one pace
in touch on outer, ridden 3f out, no progress final 2f
in touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, stayed on to lead 1f out, ran on gamely under pressure, all out, held on
led, quickened clear over 2f out, no extra and headed 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway 2f out, stayed on to chase leaders final furlong, closed on winner, just held
mid-division, ridden 3f out, no chance final 2f
Not the strongest of handicaps to conclude the card and Rowan River can come good for trainer Mark Tompkins, with Mardi, Cry Presto and Mango Masher others under scrutiny. The selection has been knocking on the door and was a shade unlucky not to finish closer than fourth when not getting a clear run at Lingfield last time. That was his first try at this trip and there was sufficient encouragement for us to side with him this time around. Mardi was a mile scorer at Southwell when last seen out in December. He clearly has fitness to prove, though he should get the trip. Cry Presto has one win from 12 attempts and that was over 12f. He is slipping to a more favourable mark but we are still not certain what is his optimum trip and so we will pass him over. Of the others, Mango Masher makes his turf debut and has shaped with promise on at least one occasion. He is not backable, but it is worth noting how he runs here, though our preference is for Rowan River.
Resplendent Ace (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden on outside 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 10l behind Mr Aviator (8-11) at Goodwood 1m 1f 3yo hcp (4) gd in May.
Mardi 9-4 (9-3) Held up, led 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, driven to regain lead 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 2yo mdn (5) fbs in Dec beating Algarade (8-12) by a nk, 13 ran.
Cry Presto (USA) 25-1 (8-13) Started slowly in rear, headway 7f out, effort 3f out, soon ridden and weakened from 2f out, 8th of 9, 21l behind Madaarek (9-4) at Sandown 1m 6f 3yo hcp (4) gs in May.
Urban Warrior 10-1 (8-4) In touch on outer, effort 2f out, no chance with winner, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Sahrati (8-10) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp (3) gs in May.
Mango Masher (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, in rear, pushed along over 4f out, never dangerous, 4th of 6, 14l behind Tilapia (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3yo hcp (4) fbs in May.
The Wily Woodcock 8-1 (9-5) Behind, moderate late headway final furlong, 8th of 14, 6l behind Baltic Belle (9-7) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Starparty (USA) 8-1 (8-10) Pressed leader, ridden over 2f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, soon one pace, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind World Spirit (8-4) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
Rowan River 12-1 (9-3) Held up, headway 3f out, hampered 1f out, switched right and stayed on, 4th of 13, 1l behind Graceful Steps (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) gf in May.
Trump Call (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Held up, ridden and headway well over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, 3rd of 17, 2l behind Oceana Gold (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (5) gs in May.
Sixfields Flyer (IRE) 11-2 (8-8) Mid-division, effort when not clear run over 2f out, no danger after, 7th of 10, 6l behind Mountain Cat (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
