held up last, headway on outside to dispute 3rd from 3f out until 2f out, no impression over 1f out
held up in 4th, left tracking leading pair 9f out, lost footing briefly 4f out and again when ridden inside final 3f, went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with unchallenged winner
took keen hold, made all, pushed clear inside final 2f, stayed on strongly, unchallenged
took keen hold, tracked winner, ridden and rider dropped whip over 2f out, no impression when weakened to 3rd over 1f out, just held on for 3rd
took keen hold, tracked leading pair until saddle slipped 10f out, soon eased out of race, pulled up inside final furlong
Nezhenka is greatly respected whilst Bowdler's Magic continues to perform well but preference is for TACTICIAN in a race where all of the runners are open to improvement. The most exposed contender is Bowdler's Magic but he is well handicapped here, in theory, as he's due to race from a 3lb higher mark in the future following his second to a Sir Mark Prescott runner at Haydock over this trip but he's closely matched with Mecox Bay on their running at Haydock over a mile and a half. Tactician finished a long way in front of Bowdler's Magic in a competitive Royal Ascot handicap won by Dandino; the form of that race has worked out well and he shapes as though he'll see out this longer trip. Ugalla went close over course and distance last time and could improve but she'll face some competition for the lead on this occasion. Nezhenka is related to some Black Type performers and may well win but the assessor doesn't appear to have taken any chances with her initial mark following a Catterick maiden success and she should make the market for Tactician.
Nezhenka 11-4 (8-9) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 6f out, chased leader over 3f out, led well over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Catterick 1m 4f mdn auc stks (5) gf beating Ceoil An Aith (9-8) by 4l, 8 ran.
Tactician 12-1 (8-11) Took keen hold in mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, headway to modest 6th over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 8th of 18, 7l behind Dandino (8-13) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Bowdler's Magic 10-11fav (9-7) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Comedy Act (8-12) at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Mecox Bay (IRE) 16-1 (8-2) Led, ridden 2f out, soon headed, still every chance when squeezed for room on inside entering final furlong, no impression after, 3rd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Anhar (9-7) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Ugalla 10-1 (8-3) Led at decent pace, pressed 3f out, headed over 2f out, chased winner under pressure, held over 1f out, no impression when lost 2nd last half furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Colloquial (10-0) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
