bit keen tracking leader, led 3f out, came clear final 2f, pushed along and stayed on strongly, heavily eased final 100 yards
close 3rd on inside, angled out over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner
led, pushed along and headed 3f out, lost 2nd over 2f out, soon ridden and beaten
tracked leading trio, pushed along 5f out, outpaced 3f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, held up last on inside, pushed along and angled out over 2f out, ridden and went modest 3rd inside final 2f
Second over track and trip early last month, Greased Lightning gets cheekpieces having missed the break last time at Salisbury. Hurtle had Mirabello Bay well behind here last month and the latter finished ahead of Lexington Hero at Newbury 11 days ago. Ayr winner ALPINA EXPRESS (NAP) easily completed a double at Carlisle and a penalty may not be enough to thwart a quick-fire hat-trick for Charlie Johnston’s improving filly.
Alpina Express (IRE) 11-8fav (9-12) Made all, pushed along over 1f out and in command, stayed on strongly, drifted right and eased well inside last, very comfortably, won at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp (5) gs in Jun beating Optician (9-3) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Hurtle (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, outpaced 3f out, rallied over 1f out, 3rd inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Brave Knight (9-6) at Windsor 1m 3f hcp (5) gf in May.
Lexington Hero 18-1 (9-6) Led until 3f out, no extra over 1f out, last of 5, 6 3/4l behind Blindedbythelights (9-2) at Newbury 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Mirabello Bay (IRE) 28-1 (9-5) Last to break, held up in last, switched right and effort over 2f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out, 4th of 5, 6l behind Blindedbythelights (9-2) at Newbury 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Greased Lightning 9-2 (9-9) Off the pace in last pair, never involved, 6th of 9, 8l behind True Legend (9-9) at Salisbury 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in May.