mid-division, outpaced 8th, kept on and no impression from last
tracked leaders, led before elbow (1f out), soon headed, kept on
always towards rear
led, headed 12th, no extra run-in
mid-division, pushed along before 7th, ridden and headway after last, kept on to lead run-in
towards rear, headway before 7th to chase leaders, ridden after last, soon weakened
held up towards rear, fell 1st
tracked leader, led 12th, headed before elbow (1f out), weakened run-in
always behind
DISCOVERIE has been one of the success stories of 2016, likewise his handler Kenneth Slack, and it will be fascinating to see if he can maintain his progression upped to this level for the first time. It's definitely his toughest test to date and although he is now no less than 33lb higher than when scoring at Catterick in March, the manner of his latest victory at his beloved Sedgefield suggests there could well be more to come. Henry Brooke arguably rides this track better than anyone and the combination should give another strong account despite the rise in grade. Trust Thomas and Vodka Wells are practically inseparable on the ratings after finishing one-two last time at Hexham but the prime threat could well come from local handler Jimmy Moffatt's Fantasy King. He's sure to have been prepared with this fixture in mind and enjoyed a nice 'prep' run eight days ago when finishing in mid-division on the level in a Haydock handicap.
Vodka Wells (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) With leaders, led 10th, headed run-in, rallied and just held close home, 2nd of 9, hd behind Trust Thomas (11-9) at Hexham 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Fantasy King 9-1 (8-10) Close up, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 8, 8 1/4l behind Sign Manual (8-8) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp (4) gd in May.
Trust Thomas 6-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, went 3rd from 9th, went 2nd from 11th, led run-in, soon idled, just held on, won at Hexham 2m hcp (4) gd in May beating Vodka Wells (11-12) by hd, 9 ran.
Toledo Gold (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Set good gallop, jumped right at times and not always fluent, headed 6th, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 8, dist behind Robin's Command (11-2) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gf in Sep.
Minella Definitely (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, pushed along after 5th, behind 4 out, plugged on to take modest 4th flat, no chance with leaders, 4th of 7, 25 1/4l behind Miss Tenacious (11-7) at Warwick 2m hcp (3) gs in May.
Discoverie 10-11fav (12-1) Tracked leaders, led before 3rd, clear before last, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp (5) gs in May beating Halcyon Days (10-7) by 5l, 6 ran.
Teenage Dream (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) In rear, when blundered badly 1st, not fluent 3rd or 8th, mistake next, effort after 10th, no impression on winner 3 out, eased down before last, 5th of 8, 25 1/4l behind Discoverie (10-3) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Never Up (GER) 14-1 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, lost place after 7th, outpaced by clear trio 5 out, no chance after, lost remote 4th 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, dist behind Zamdy Man (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) sft in Apr.
Claragh Native (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway after 3 out, chased leaders next, soon ridden, kept on same pace, never on terms, 5th of 9, 13 1/4l behind Lyric Street (11-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in May.
