in touch, ridden halfway, led over 1f out, no extra when headed close home
held up in touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent one pace, no impression from over 1f out
behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, led close home
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up mid-division, ridden and headway 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden 3f out, stayed on final furlong
always behind
led headed halfway, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
with leaders, led halfway, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Mynd has an obvious chance at the weights off just a 5lb higher mark than when scoring under today's jockey at Ripon last month but the faster surface here is of concern and a chance is taken with Handsome Cross, who gets the vote ahead of Snow Wolf. The selection represents the in-form yard of David Nicholls and suggested last time behind Wanchai Lad at Thirsk that his turn might not be far away. The handicapper has given the four-year-old a real chance dropping him another pound since then and he looks the safest call in the race. Richard Fahey's runners have suddenly hit form so Wyatt Earp cannot be discounted although he would need to improve dramatically on his reappearance effort to trouble the judge. Indian Spark is probably better over further, while Prime Recreation would want a softer surface. Milton Bradley's Parkside Pursuit has claims on the pick of his form but stablemate Snow Wolf looks the more likely of his pair, especially with the very capable Adam Kirby on board. Handsome Cross has an obvious chance at the weights though and he gets the vote.
Wyatt Earp (IRE) 50-1 (8-10) Soon behind, never dangerous, 10th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Out After Dark (9-0) at Beverley 5f hcp (4) gd.
Handsome Cross (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders stand side, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 19, 2l behind Wanchai Lad (8-11) at Thirsk 5f hcp (4) gf.
Snow Wolf 20-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon edged left and weakened, 9th of 13, 12l behind Zoom Zoom (9-4) at W'hampton 6f hcp (E3) pol in Jan.
Convince (USA) 40-1 (9-8) Not much room start, behind, ridden halfway, ran on inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 4l behind Pulse (8-8) at Warwick 5f hcp (5) gs in Apr.
Prime Recreation 14-1 (8-7) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 5l behind Simpsons Mount (8-8) at Lingfield 5f hcp (4) gd.
Byo (IRE) 9-2 (9-8) Tracked leaders, outpaced halfway, 8th of 12, 8l behind Gilded Cove (9-3) at Southwell 5f hcp (5) fbs in Apr.
Parkside Pursuit 20-1 (9-5) Always towards rear, 10th of 17, 8l behind Catch The Cat (9-2) at Nottingham 5f hcp (5) gf.
Indian Spark 14-1 (8-13) Behind far side, headway 2f out, stayed on well under pressure to go second inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 20, 4l behind Mecca's Mate (9-6) at Thirsk 6f hcp (5) gd.
Demolition Molly 100-1 (9-3) With leaders to halfway, soon behind, last of 17, 18l behind Catch The Cat (9-2) at Nottingham 5f hcp (5) gf.
Dollivius (IRE) 66-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, outpaced, 10th of 14, 9l behind Stargem (9-0) at Southwell 5f hcp (E3) fbs in Mar.
Prince of Blues (IRE) 33-1 (9-5) Always behind, 9th of 11, 16l behind Fulvio (9-5) at W'hampton 7f stk (7) pol in Apr.
Mynd 7-2jt-fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, in touch, headway halfway, weakend over 1f out, 7th of 12, 5l behind Pulse (8-8) at Warwick 5f hcp (5) gs in Apr.
