mid-division, headway 2f out, not clear run from over 1f out, never able to challenge
led, ridden over 1f out, headed post
outpaced
towards rear, effort halfway weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong
chased leader to over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
chased leaders over 3f
outpaced, ridden and headway 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, ran on nearest at finish
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on to lead post
outpaced
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
One of the more interesting races on the card can got to Blue Moon Hitman, who heads the shortlist that also includes: New Options, Hellbent and Smurfys Party. A move for Knead The Dough will also be interesting, as he has solid claims if he can recapture his best. However, he does need to banish the memory of a couple of modest efforts and he now has something to prove. Smurfys Party has shaped up well in two starts for his new yard and can surely pay his way in this grade before too long. He represents great value for a place today. New Options and Hellbent are hard to split on recent form and should be capable of making this a good test. However, Blue Moon Hitman has shown a real liking for racing at this track and, as he has already seen off the challenges of few of these this term, it seems harsh to desert him while he is in such obvious good heart.
Amelia (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Led far side group, pushed along and headed over 2f out, soon beaten, 16th of 17, 11l behind Banjo Bay (9-2) at Nottingham 6f app hcp (6) gd.
Blue Moon Hitman (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Prominent lead over 3f out, ridden edged right and headed over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 10, nk behind Nova Tor (8-13) at W'hampton 5f clm (6) pol in Apr.
Knead The Dough 5-1 (9-7) Held up, ridden and some headway over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 9l behind Gracie's Gift (8-3) at Southwell 6f mdn clm (7) fbs.
Cargo 12-1 (9-2) Close up for 3f, soon weakened, last of 13, 12l behind Count Cougar (9-4) at Southwell 6f stk (7) fbs in Apr.
Hellbent 8-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 17, 1 1/2l behind Valiant Romeo (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f stk (7) gf.
Smirfys Party 7-2fav (9-0) Started slowly, behind, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish, 5th of 12, 2l behind Kiss The Rain (8-12) at W'hampton 5f hcp (F4) pol in Feb.
Weakest Link 20-1 (9-4) Soon led, ridden 2f out, weakening when headed inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 3l behind Flying Edge (9-4) at W'hampton 6f stk (H5) pol in Mar.
New Options 16-1 (9-2) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Valiant Romeo (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f stk (7) gf.