held up last behind, steady pace, ridden and not quicken over 2f out, beaten after
held up in 4th behind steady pace, pushed along early straight, closed to chase winner over 1f out, ran on strongly near finish, just failed
took keen hold, held up in 5th behind steady pace, ridden and not quicken 2f out, plugged on after
took keen hold, tracked winner until over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
dictated steady pace, ridden, went to rail and quickened over 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, held on, all out
took keen hold disputing 2nd, ridden 2f out, soon outpaced
Optimus, Bartercard and Arctic Desert catch the eye in this tricky claimer, but Gay Kelleway is adept at putting her mount in at an attractive weight, and Arctic Desert is taken to follow up a recent success. Optimus picked up a handicap at Lingfield last winter, but his form has dipped since, and this drop into claiming class looked inevitable after recent poor efforts. He can reach the frame at best. Bartercard won a similar contest to this three outings ago but has disappointed twice since. He may be best watched, though his preferred fast ground, if apparent, would be a boost to his chances. Arctic Desert struck winning form last time, profiting from a fine ride from Hayley Turner at Wolverhampton. The fast pace that day may not be available in this small field, and he has only won once on Turf, and that was four years ago, but Arctic Desert looks well in at the weights here and can follow up under Richard Hughes, whose waiting riding style should suit the eight-year-old.
Namid Reprobate (IRE) 28-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, 9th of 11, 10l behind Kafuu (9-11) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Optimus (USA) 16-1 (9-8) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 9l behind Judgethemoment (8-13) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Bartercard (USA) 11-2 (9-5) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no progress, last of 7, 8l behind Ten To The Dozen (9-0) at Warwick 1m clm (5) gf.
Mick Is Back 16-1 (9-12) Led, soon clear, headed over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 10l behind Paparaazi (9-6) at Nottingham 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (6) gf.
Arctic Desert 9-1 (10-0) Steadied start, held up, headway from over 1f out, carried right on home turn, ran on strongly to lead close home, won at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol beating Casablanca Minx (9-9) by a nk, 12 ran.
Bollywood (IRE) 20-1 (9-8) Took keen hold in touch, ridden 2f out, soon no impression, 8th of 12, 11l behind Pab Special (9-8) at Brighton 1m 2f sll (6) gf in May.
Rankayo Hitam (USA) 22-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, kept on towards finish, not trouble leaders, 4th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Bomber Command (9-12) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun.
