tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken
in rear, chased leading pair over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, switched left and weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, kept on gamely
tracked leaders in 4th, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders in 3rd until weakened over 3f out
Under a more positive ride this can go to COMEDY ACT at the main expense of Bowdler's Magic and Domination. For reasons unclear the selection, who has had great success as a front-runner, was held up last of four at Bath last time. Admittedly he was beaten by a progressive rival but under a more aggressive ride today he might be able to get his two main rivals in trouble. Bowdler's Magic ran well here last time and is holding his form well; his Chester win prior to that run was hard-earned and with the yard in great form he must go close once more. Domination waltzed home at Newbury before coming unstuck at Salisbury. Like the aforementioned pair he was unlucky to bump into a progressive and well-handicapped rival and it would be no surprise to see him win off just a 1lb higher mark. Cornish Beau is not dismissed given the way he stepped up on his previous form when trying 12 furlongs at Pontefract; a 6lb higher mark could be lenient. The other pair make little appeal so in a tight little race we will plump for Comedy Act.
Bowdler's Magic 11-2 (8-9) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance from 2f out until leant left onto rival entering final furlong, stayed on, not pace of winner, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Anhar (9-7) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Domination 11-4fav (8-10) Tracked leading pair until outpaced and lost place over 3f out, switched left 2f out, rallied and stayed on from over 1f out, took 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Vulcanite (9-2) at Salisbury 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jun.
Comedy Act Evensfav (9-7) Steadied start, held up last, headway on outside to chase winner inside final 2f, soon ridden, driven to challenge 1f out, found no extra and held final 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Home Advantage (9-3) at Bath 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) fm.
Brooklands Bay (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Raced keen, held up towards rear on inside, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Azlak (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Straversjoy 33-1 (8-2) In touch 11f out, pushed along over 3f out, switched right and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 7l behind Motrice (9-7) at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Cornish Beau (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Led after 2f, made rest, ridden and stayed on strongly final furlong, won at Pontefract 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Apr beating Iron Condor (9-4) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
