held up in touch, headway 2f out, chasing leaders when switched right over 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, hung left and not run on towards finish
soon outpaced in rear, pushed along halfway no chance after
soon outpaced towards rear, pushed along halfway, soon struggling
led, pushed along 2f out, ridden and hung left from over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong
soon well outpaced towards rear, wide straight, headway on outside over 1f out, some late progress
chased leaders, soon pushed along, weakened halfway
VALMINA has shown reasonable form on the all-weather and although disappointing on turf since then may be able to rediscover the winning formula, whilst Admirable Duchess starts on the Polytrack for the first time and Durham Express has only finished out of the places once in four starts so should put in another good run. Valmina is a previous course and distance winner and his best efforts have all been on this surface. There have been question marks raised by some frustratingly poor attempts on the turf but carrying a similar weight to his sole victory at this track and with Kieren Fallon on board he should be able to return to winning ways. Admirable Duchess is surely due to come first past the post soon and connections switch her to a different surface to see if this has any effect on the outcome. Durham Express has impressed on the turf and although four-and-a-half lengths behind Hoof It on his last appearance may be able to deliver a better run in this contest. That most recent performance was after a break though and Michael Dods' gelding will benefit for that pipe-opener and do well here. An interestingly framed handicap but this one can go to Valmina.
Fear Nothing 15-8fav (8-10) Led, ridden and strongly challenged over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Tabiet (8-12) at Doncaster 5f mdn stks (5) gf.
Durham Express (IRE) 17-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Hoof It (9-4) at Haydock 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Valmina 25-1 (8-8) In touch on outside, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 8l behind Kingsgate Choice (9-1) at Ffos Las 5f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Jigajig 9-4fav (9-10) Pressed leader, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, edged left and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Ya Boy Sir (8-7) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo app hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Admirable Duchess 13-2 (9-4) In touch, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong, no impression, 4th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Perfect Blossom (8-7) at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Lexi's Layla (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Mid-division, took keen hold, ridden and edged left over 1f out, soon beaten, 8th of 9, 6l behind Anjomarba (8-9) at Wolverhampton 6f 3yo sell stks (6) pol.
Silver Linnet (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Led at strong pace and soon well clear, reduced lead over 2f out, headed and weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 12, 14l behind Dever Dream (9-10) at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Bombay Mist 25-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 13, 7l behind Liberty Lady (9-6) at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Mar.
