mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, kept on over 1f out
behind, ridden over 3f out, some headway until one pace over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on to lead over 1f out, driven out
always towards rear
led, ridden over 2f out, drifted left and headed over 1f out, gradually weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
slowly into stride, keen early, soon chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, close up when slightly hampered over 1f out, kept on one pace after
Stellite was good value for his win over course and distance earlier this month and has to be respected off just a 3lb higher mark today but, unless the rain arrives, Jim Goldie's gelding may find the ground too quick and a better bet looks to be Stoic Leader with Kirkby's Treasure rated the pick of the remainder. The selection has run well on a softish surface in both starts since his reappearance effort but his best form is on better ground and, off the same mark as last time, he looks worth chancing here. Poppy's Rose ran better at Redcar last time when out of the handicap and has to be respected off a 10lb lower mark today. She makes more appeal than Howard Johnson's Heureux, who gave little sign for encouragement last term. Alan Swinbank's Kirkby's Treasure is better than he has shown in his last two starts and may do better back on a faster surface today but it is hard to get away from Stoic Leader, who gets the vote.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 13-2 (8-3) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Skhilling Spirit (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Yorkshire Blue 15-2 (9-7) Behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out until one pace inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Cheery Cat (9-0) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Sands of Barra (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Took keen hold in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 12th of 17, 8l behind Osteopathic Remedy (8-12) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Heureux (USA) 14-1 (9-6) Chased leader, lost place over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 17l behind Esoterica (8-13) at Thirsk 1m hcap (5) gf in Sept.
Stellite 13-2 (8-12) In touch, headway to lead over 1f out, kept on, won at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Vesuvio (8-1) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Kirkby's Treasure 12-1 (8-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 12th of 18, 22l behind Blue Spinnaker (9-6) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Apr.
Poppy's Rose 9-2 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Island Music (8-2) at Redcar 7f fll hcp (4) gf.
Woodsley House (IRE) 28-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 7l behind Stellite (8-12) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Inca Soldier (FR) 12-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, not much room over 2f out, kept on same pace, 7th of 13, 3l behind Stellite (8-12) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Newgate (UAE) 9-2 (8-5) Steadied start, held up, ridden and switched right over 1f out, kept on, 5th of 12, 5l behind Sion Hill (8-9) at W'hampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Apr.
The Salwick Flyer (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Mid-division, pulled hard, headway over 2f out, staying on same pace when slightly hampered inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Supercast (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcap (6) pol in Feb.
