prominent, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led a steady pace, pushed along to quicken over 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, stayed on final furlong until headed close home
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead close home
towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
behind, saddle slipped and pulled up 6f out
Compton Dragon has put up two gallant performances in defeat and can gain a deserved success at the expense of Party Ploy and Crathorne. A steady drop in the weights has enabled the Dandy Nichols trained gelding to recapture his best form and ran a belter last time to finish a close up second behind frontier at Chester. This event looks a little less competitive and an overdue victory looks on the cards. Party Ploy hasn't the best of win records, but is clearly in good heart at present. He had the run of the race at Ayr last time to beat some decent handicappers and if everything goes right again today another bold showing is expected. Crathorne has to shoulder ten stone but should still figure prominently if reproducing his the form of his York fourth behind Balkan Knight. Of the others Field Spark continues in good form and can fight for a place, but for the winner we return to Compton Dragon.