slowly into stride, always behind, eased final furlong
slowly into stride, soon recovered to lead after 1f, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, pushed along in touch, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
always mid-division
held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, soon beaten
always behind, eased final furlong
held up towards rear, headway from 3f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well, ridden out
behind, ridden over 3f out, stayed on well from 2f out, took 3rd final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders until 4f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on outer from 3f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, no extra
led for 1f, chased leaders until weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden 3f out, one pace
held up mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
chased leaders until over 2f out
A difficult handicap in which Backstreet Lad is given a sporting chance ahead of Jamehir, Regal Attire and Master Cobbler. Rod Millman's representative was well backed ahead of his most recent start having run well at this track a couple of weeks ago. The booking of Fran Ferris shows that the trainer means business this afternoon and losses can be recouped. Jamehir probably found 1m6f a little too far at Goodwood. That said, he travelled like a winner for a long way and it wouldn't be the greatest of surprises if he were good enough to take more than just a passing interest in this race. This is Regal Attire's handicap debut and the handicapper has allocated a mark of 75. This could be harsh given that he was comprehensively beaten by two horses off 73 in his most recent start. Jon Akehurst's team have hit form of late and Master Cobbler is in with a shout on his recent efforts over twelve furlongs. Wester Lodge looks to have a small race within his compass if his Ripon effort is viewed positively. The race hasn't worked out particularly well though so any punting interest is with a degree of caution. Inca Wood should improve dramatically for a first run of the season and due diligence is applied to the betting. Haiban ran appallingly at Windsor on his most recent start and it seems to difficult to envisage lightning striking twice. Germanicus was under hold up tactics at Windsor and found the race out of reach at an early juncture. Steve Drowne keeps the mount. League of Nations is exposed but is back to his best trip this afternoon. Backstreet Lad secures our selection on this occasion.
Inca Wood (UAE) 5-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden along 5f out until weakened 3f out, 7th of 13, 12l behind Albahja (8-11) at Chepstow 1m 4f 3yo mdn fll (5) gf in Jun.
Master Cobbler (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) In touch, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong to press for 2nd near finish but no chance with winner, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Tawqeet (8-9) at Newbury 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Regal Attire (USA) 9-4 (9-0) In touch, tracked leaders from 4f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 9l behind Sea Wall (9-0) at Chepstow 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) gf in May.
Jamehir (IRE) 7-2fav (9-9) Towards rear, ridden 8f out, headway 3f out, every chance over 1f out, weakening when hung right final furlong, 4th of 16, 6l behind Tiamo (9-6) at Goodwood 1m 6f 3yo mdn hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Wester Lodge (IRE) 18-1 (9-3) Took keen hold behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Toldo (9-4) at Ripon 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
Haiban 5-2 (9-7) Led early, tracked winner, ridden 4f out, no chance final 2f, weakened and lost 2nd over 1f out, 5th of 9, 19l behind Sharp Reply (9-7) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Germanicus 11-1 (8-10) Towards rear, ridden 4f out, kept on final 2f, never dangerous, 7th of 20, 7l behind Oakley Absolute (8-8) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Thorny Mandate 14-1 (8-4) Held up, effort on outer and driven 2f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out, 8th of 20, 8l behind Oakley Absolute (8-8) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
