soon tracked winner, ridden 4f out, weakened final furlong
tracked winner, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
always towards rear
made all, clear over 2f out, eased inside final furlong, comfortable
held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on under strong pressure, never nearer
held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, held up, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, never nearer
With several of these making their handicap debut, this could prove a minefield for punters. Helderberg ran well enough off this mark at Redcar last month and must go well here, although it will be a surprise if there isn't something to improve past him. Claptrap tackles turf for the first time and this half-brother to the high-class Young Ern and useful handicapper Young Un, is capable of better than he has shown to date. He is lightly weighted and must go well. However, with the unexposed Wozzeck, San Hernando, Golden Skiis and Kartuzy all stepping into handicap company for the first time, it will be a surprise if the winner doesn't come from one of these. A tentative vote is given to Kartuzy, who is a half-sister to the top-class stayer Marienbard. She will be all the sharper for her effort at Thirsk, a track which would have been far from ideal for her. This more galloping circuit should see her in a better light and she is taken to see off San Hernando, who is from the same family as the high-class Storming Home. Ed Dunlop's gelding should appreciate this step up in trip and with Keiren Fallon doing the steering, he is sure to be a popular choice. Wozzeck left the impression at Newmarket that he would prefer to get his toe in, so he may find the ground a shade fast for him here, while Golden Skiis may need a stiffer test than this, before she comes into her own.
