led early, tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
stumbled slightly start, in touch and keen, led over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well
stumbled start, soon led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up towards rear, never dangerous
dwelt, held up in rear, never dangerous
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, headway over 2f out, not quicken inside final furlong
A competitive contest, with Avonrose slipping to a decent mark and Bajan Pride in cracking form, but HANDSOME FALCON can claim both of their scalps. The Richard Fahey-trained pick sees out this trip really well, goes on the ground and has two course wins to his name, so he has plenty going for him. He races from the same mark as when a close fourth here last time and he looks just about good enough from a high draw to enjoy his first win of the season. Bajan Pride is chasing a hat-trick after wins in a Carlisle handicap and a 7f seller at this venue. Now 5lbs higher than that handicap win, but stepped back up to a more suitable trip than the selling success he has strong claims. Avonrose has struggled in handicaps since enjoying a good start to her juvenile career. The handicapper has gradually eased her to a mark of 70, and with the yard going well and the allowances she receives she has to be a leading player today. Observatory Star has proved hard to win with for the past couple of years but has frame claims, though Handsome Falcon is selected.
Handsome Falcon 15-2 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Stonehaugh (8-3) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Observatory Star (IRE) 7-2 (9-6) Tracked leaders, effort 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 4l behind Reel Buddy Star (9-10) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Global 20-1 (9-2) Behind, pushed along 4f out, raced stand side from over 2f out, never dangerous, 13th of 15, 16l behind Ailsa Craig (9-3) at Carlisle 1m hcap (4) gf in Jun.
Shadowtime 8-1 (9-6) Held up mid-division, raced stands side from over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Ailsa Craig (9-3) at Carlisle 1m hcap (4) gf in Jun.
King of The Moors (USA) 7-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, soon tracked leader and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 11l behind Border Owl (9-4) at Ripon 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Bajan Pride 6-4fav (9-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, driven upsides inside final furlong, won on the nod, won at Beverley 7f sell stks (6) gf beating Angel Of Fashion (8-4) by ns, 12 ran.
Ninth House (USA) 5-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, hampered over 6f out, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Sir Frank Wappat (9-2) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
King's Sabre 7-2 (9-3) Behind, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Bajan Pride (9-8) at Beverley 7f sell stks (6) gf.
Avonrose 7-2 (9-7) Took keen hold in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Desert Hunter (8-6) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Dabbers Ridge (IRE) 15-2 (9-6) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Provost (9-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jun.
