slowly away, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, led 3f out, soon ridden, kept on well final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 3f out, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong
towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
slowly away, outpaced and behind, weakened 2f out, eased over 1f out
led, headed 3f out, soon ridden, weakened and eased over 1f out
in touch, driven 3f out, kept on final 2f
chased leaders and keen, ridden 3f out, wandered 2f out, soon weakened
Summer Special deserves to win a race of this nature after a string of placed efforts but has been done few favours by the handicapper and is passed over in favour of The Gambler, who gets the verdict over Alfred Sisley. The last mentioned is only 3lbs higher than when winning at Warwick last month but has twice been well beaten since and may not be the most reliable of performers. The Gambler won a seller here over five furlongs earlier in the month when with Anne Duffield, after which he joined the stable of Paul Johnson. Although only 12th of 19 on his first start for new connections at Ripon on Wednesday, there are excuses for that defeat as the son of First Trump was drawn on the unfavoured far side and the ground was softer than ideal. Back on a more suitable surface, and from a decent draw, he is worth another chance in a moderate contest. With Kevin Ryan's stable in such good form, Blackpool Beau has to be respected along with Tally, who is well treated on all-weather form.
