This apprentice handicap to close the card can go the way of Penang Cinta; Tcherina and Sporting Gesture are the dangers. The selection has shown plenty of improvement since joining David Evans and although he has been creeping steadily up the handicap, he does have the very capable Stephen Donohoe on board and he arrives here in good form so he looks the one to beat. Tcherina travelled well for a long way last time at Thirsk before finishing third behind Luna Landing and if the ground does ease with the forecast rain that would boost her chance. Sporting Gesture ran well behind Gigs Magic at Catterick last time for today's apprentice, and he does go well here so he could go well at a price. Collette's Choice has not had much luck in her last three runs but she would not want any rain as she goes best on fast ground. Penang Cinta arrives here in decent form and can land the finale.
Tcherina (IRE) 7-2 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 3f out, until one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Luna Landing (8-10) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcap (3) gf.
Red Lancer 3-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden to challenged over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just held close home, 2nd of 8, shd behind Torrens (9-0) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Top Spec (IRE) 17-2 (9-5) Dwelt, soon receovered, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Melvino (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Celtique 7-1 (9-8) Held up, in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakening when hampered over 1f out, last of 14, 21l behind Sweet Indulgence (9-10) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Heathyards Pride 9-2 (8-9) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish, 3rd of 11, 5l behind La Estrella (9-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcap (4) gd in May.
Penang Cinta 7-4fav (9-1) Held up, some progress over 3f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Uig (8-5) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcap (5) gd in May.
Astrobella 20-1 (8-7) Always rear division, 9th of 11, 15l behind La Estrella (9-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcap (4) gd in May.
Northern Boy (USA) 12-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Networker (9-1) at Hamilton 1m hcap (5) gf.
Sporting Gesture 14-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Gigs Magic (8-4) at Catterick 1m 4f hcap (5) gf.
Collette's Choice 4-5fav (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, not much room final furlong, one pace, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Toshi (8-10) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in May.
Amwell Brave 11-2 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 9, 7l behind Broughtons Revival (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcap (6) gd in May.
Turn Of Phrase (IRE) 11-1 (9-2) Always rear division, 12th of 16, 21l behind Best Of The Lot (8-13) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcap (6) gs.
Grey Outlook 8-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 5l behind Gigs Magic (8-12) at Hamilton 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
