Verdict
A competitive apprentice handicap gets us under way here. Empowered and Supercast have both hit a vein of good form recently but selection goes to EL DECECY. The gelding was a winner at Brighton last time out and proved again that he is a force at this level. It is worth noting that he has struggled on this course in the past, but he should prove more effective on this step up in trip and a third victory of the month looks to be in the offing. Empowered ran well last time, when returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He is a one time Guineas entrant and a half-brother to Authorized. The four-year-old looks capable of better but the selection may prove too good for the colt. Supercast is a reliable sort and is in good form this year. He should be able to run his race and maintain his recent run and a place in the minors looks possible. Course and distance winner Polish Power was a winner at Lingfield last time, that was a much improved effort on recent form and a follow up looks unlikely. The selection for us then is El Dececy.
Formwatch
El Dececy (USA) 8-13fav (9-12) Soon pushed along and prominent, led over 4f out, ridden and in command final furlong, won at Brighton 6f sell stks (6) gf in Apr beating Joss Stick (8-13) by 2 1/4l, 10 ran.
Polish Power (GER) 5-1 (8-13) Tracked leading pair, chased leader 2f out, hard ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, led final strides, won at Lingfield 1m 4f sell stks (6) pol in Apr beating Nawamees (9-5) by shd, 8 ran.
Veiled Applause 7-1 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden well over 1f out, some headway, kept on final furlong, 6th of 12, 4l behind Unbreak My Heart (9-4) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr.
Ellmau 20-1 (8-7) In touch, driven to lead over 2f out, headed well over 1f, staying on until hampered inside final furlong, not recovered, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Redesignation (9-4) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr.
Empowered (IRE) 8-13fav (9-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Ahlawy (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Apr.
Supercast (IRE) 7-4fav (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, unable to quicken towards finish, 5th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Becuille (8-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Apr.
Royal Flynn 100-1 (8-6) Always towards rear, 11th of 19, 20l behind Spring Jim (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Mar.
White Deer (USA) 5-1 (9-2) Prominent, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 5l behind Hilbre Court (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Apr.
Tufton 6-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, keen, held up in mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 6th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Aboriginie (8-9) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Sep.
Sinbad The Sailor 8-1 (8-10) Close up in chasing group, ridden 3f out, soon struggling, tailed off, 7th of 8, 29l behind Colourways (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Oct.
