took keen hold, tracked leader 1f, soon settled in 3rd, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 1f, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, no chance with easy winner when lost 2nd well over 1f out, kept on pressing for 2nd
raced keenly, led, headed over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out, eased, tailed off
steadied start, held up in 4th, pushed along when slightly short of room approaching final 3f, stayed on to 2nd well over 1f out, never any chance with easy winner, just held on for 2nd
held up last, niggled along halfway, good headway 4f out, went 2nd 3f out, led on bit over 2f out, clear final 2f, very easily
This has been won by some useful types in recent years with the likes of Sea Moon and Rebel Soldier subsequently winning Group races. STEPPING AHEAD could be of similar ability as he won his handicap debut at Pontefract doing handstands and even a 14lb hike in the weights may not be enough to prevent a follow-up. Lilac Lace chalked up her fifth straight win when successful at Carlisle last time and should be competitive off a 4lb higher mark but a penalty could prove beyond Sublimation after finally getting his head in front in a Ripon maiden. Better was expected from Top Notch Tonto at Beverley last week and he may do better over this longer trip but Greeleys Love was no match for the selection at Pontefract earlier.
Stepping Ahead (FR) 5-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader 2f out, led entering final furlong, ran on strongly, won at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May beating Mystical Man (9-5) by 7l, 5 ran.
Top Notch Tonto (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Held up 4th and last, driven 3f out, ridden and effort on outside 2f out, kept on same pace, never on terms, last of 4, 6l behind Jalaa (9-1) at Beverley 1m con stks (4) gf.
Greeleys Love (USA) 9-2 (8-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden hung left and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Area Fifty One (9-9) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) gd.
Lilac Lace (IRE) 7-2 (9-1) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon switched left, challenged entering final furlong, kept on gamely to lead towards finish, won at Carlisle 1m flls hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May beating Danat Al Atheer (9-1) by hd, 6 ran.
Grandorio (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Pulled hard close up, ridden 3f out, weakening when hampered over 2f out, eased over 1f out, last of 9, 32l behind Dashing Star (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Sublimation (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ripon 1m 3yo mdn (5) gd beating Mutajally (9-5) by 2 1/4l, 11 ran.
One Pekan (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on, won at Epsom Downs 1m 3yo & 4yo mdn (4) gd in Apr beating Legal Waves (8-11) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
