tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out
towards rear, hard ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, not trouble leaders
took keen hold behind, headway inside final 2f, ridden to lead 1f out, asserted inside final furlong, driven out
took keen hold in 4th, chased leader over 2f out, led briefly over 1f out, soon headed, kept on one pace inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up 5th, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance over 1f out to inside final furlong, kept on one pace
tracked leader to over 2f out, weakened quickly, tailed off
Basalt can complete his hat-trick and leave Alnwick, Right Option and Linden Lime to contest the minor honours. Tim Pitt's gelding does have a big weight to carry but he's employed the services of a promising young apprentice whose claim will be invaluable. He has laughed at his rivals in recording back to back successes over a mile and a half and the main concern is his ability to see out this trip. However, there's plenty of stamina on the distaff side of his pedigree and he's shown no signs of stopping. Alnwick had Right Option 3 lengths in arrears when winning over course and distance last time but has gone up 7lbs and will do well to confirm the form on 4lbs worse terms. Linden Lime is back down to a mark that's 4lbs lower than when last successful over course and distance just over a year ago. She could be primed for a big run after two recent outings but Basalt can score.
Basalt (IRE) 4-6fav (9-8) Made most, stayed on strongly, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Rose Row (8-7) by 2l, 6 ran.
Savannah 14-1 (10-0) Towards rear, some late headway, never a danger, 4th of 7, 35l behind Vision Of Grandeur (9-1) at Downpatrick 1m 4f stk gd in May.
Trachonitis (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Held up, took closer order 4f out, ridden over 1f out, hampered near finish, 2nd of 8, shd behind Bentley Brook (9-2) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Right Option (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, led over 5f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Alnwick (9-0) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.
Abounding 9-2 (8-7) Raced keenly, close up, effort over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Jack Rolfe (10-0) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Riff Raff 15-2 (8-9) Held up, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 4th of 7, 12l behind Desert Sea (9-5) at Kempton 2m 3yo hcp (4) pol in Sept '06.
Alnwick 5-2fav (9-0) Mid-division, chased leaders 3f out, quickened to lead over 1f out, soon clear, ridden out, won at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan beating Right Option (9-2) by 3l, 11 ran.
First Friend (IRE) 50-1 (9-11) In touch, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon beaten, 14th of 16, 15l behind Zelos (10-5) at Nottingham 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (6) gf in Oct.
Linden Lime 6-1 (9-0) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 6th of 8, 5l behind Jack Rolfe (10-0) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
