towards rear, chased along halfway, some late headway, never trouble leaders
soon outpaced and towards rear, headway 2f out, hung left over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on
held up behind leaders, ridden along over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong
prominent, reminders 3f out, weakened over 1f out
soon led strong gallop, ridden along 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
mid-division, driven and headway over 1f out, no extra final furlong
prominent for 4f
chased leaders to halfway
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
The step back up in trip looks sure to suit SELDOM and Mel Brittain's charge is given the vote ahead of Victoria Sponge, Regal Lyric and Secret Society. This looks to be a very compettiive heat however Seldom's narrow defeat at Redcar last time reads well. Throughout the race it was apparent that things were happeneing just slightly too quickly for him but with this step up in trip in his favour and a flat track evidently to his liking he is unlikely to be far away with Silvestre de Sousa taking the ride. My Best Bet looked progressive on the all-weather this winter, whilst Richo and Victoria Sponge are also consistent sorts who should both run their race once again. Snow Bay is interesting on this handicap bow and the market will help guide to his chance, whilst Fathey and Secret Society both represent trainers in good form and the latter's run last time at Newmarket was a very promising start to his handicap career. Stan's Cool Cat and Brierty can not be ruled out as well so in what looks to be a very decent handicap, it is the bottom-weight Seldom who is tentatively selected.
Stan's Cool Cat (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Always towards rear, 21st of 24, 12l behind Minor Vamp (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll gd in Sep.
Secret Society 11-2 (8-13) In touch, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Suruor (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Brierty (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Towards rear, ridden along halfway, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 7th of 13, 6l behind Magaling (9-4) at Doncaster 7f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gs in May.
Richo 6-1 (9-2) Led, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Floor Show (8-13) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Thunderball 9-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out, not much room and hampered when weakening over 1f out, 10th of 13, 8l behind Magaling (9-4) at Doncaster 7f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gs in May.
Red Kyte 12-1 (9-9) Dwelt, held up and keen, headway over 1f out, stayed on and took 3rd near finish, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind All The Nines (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in May.
My Best Bet 28-1 (8-10) Behind, stayed on final 2f, never nearer, 7th of 18, 7l behind Never Lose (9-1) at Newbury 7f (4) gs in May.
Snow Bay 4-5fav (9-3) Led for 1f and raced keen, chased leaders, led again entering final furlong, kept on well, won at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Jul beating Hameildaeme (8-12) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Regal Lyric (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Held up, keen, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Floor Show (8-13) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Seldom (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) In touch, led briefly 2f out, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1/2l behind Minturno (8-9) at Redcar 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
Burma Rock (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 6l behind Saint Arch (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Victoria Sponge (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Chased leader, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, still every chance inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 12, nk behind Bombina (8-13) at Newmarket 1m flls hcp (5) gf in May.
Fathey (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Led centre, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 1 1/4l behind Where's Reiley (8-7) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in May.
