tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakening when not much room well over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway to lead over 1f out, headed inside last, no extra
slowly into stride and behind, ridden over 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
held up, ridden over 3f out, not much room till switched left and headway over 1f out to lead inside final furlong, kept on well close home
led, headed briefly after a furlong, ridden over 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
keen early, led briefly after a furlong, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened from 2f out
Stoic Leader has been an admirably consistent handicapper in recent months and off the same mark as when a close fourth in the Carlisle Bell last week gets the vote to resume winning ways at the main expense of Low Cloud and Kirkby's Treasure. Like the selection, the last mentioned has been the model of consistency this term and, again like the selection, he too ran well in the Carlisle Bell last time. However, Alan Berry's gelding has plenty to find with Stoic Leader on running that day and may come up short. Of more interest may be the David Nicholls-trained Low Cloud who came out best in a close finish to a classified stakes race at Beverley last time, although this looks tougher. Top weight Sea Storm is capable but has disappointed in two starts since winning a handicap here over a mile last month and may not be suited by the drop back in trip. Mark Johnston's Bessemer remains unexposed but needs to improve on the evidence of previous runs this term and of more interest may be Ann Stokell's Pawan. Ballyhurry and Killala are strictly held by Kirkby's Treasure on earlier form, while Silver Seeker has looked a shadow of his former self. A competitive handicap then, with the vote going to Stoic Leader.
