led, headed after 1f, outpaced halfway
mid-division stands side, effort over 2f out, soon behind
chased leaders to halfway far side group
chased leaders far side group, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
chased leaders stands side, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong
led far side group, headed halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
chased leaders stands side, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, led over 1f stands side, headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up behind leaders stands side, led well over 1f out, quickened and ran on final furlong
tracked leader far side, led halfway, ridden 2f out, chased winner final furlong
always behind
A 6lb does Flying Bantam no favours and, as he already has it to do off top weight, a chance is taken with Balakrief, who can represent good value for his reappearance. Trojan Flight and Fair Shake are others to consider, while money for Bonne De Fleur will be interesting now that she is back on turf. Still, she has a lot of weight for what she has actually achieved and others may have a an edge on her near the finish. Fair Shake acts really well with cut in the ground and should make a bold bid again if he gets the gaps in running. However, he is now 5lb higher than for his Thirsk win and will need to be at the top of his game. Therefore, a chance is taken with Balakrief, who ran a blinder in the Ayr Silver Cup when he was last seen out and will take plenty of stopping if he picks up where he left off today.
Artie 33-1 Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 20, 9l behind Fonthill Road at Beverley 5f hcp gd.
Blackheath (IRE) 50-1 Mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon behind, last of 20, 20l behind Fonthill Road at Beverley 5f hcp gd.
Not So Dusty 10-1 Held up in rear, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 4l behind Foley Millennium at Lingfield 5f hcp (D2) pol in Feb.
Bond Boy 12-1 In touch, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, soon eased, 11th of 15, 11l behind Flying Bantam at Pontefract 6f hcp sft.
Seven No Trumps 5-1fav Held up, headway on outside 2f out, ridden and not run on final furlong, 7th of 13, 2l behind Gone'n'dunnett at W'hampton 6f hcp pol.
Harrison's Flyer (IRE) 7-1 Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, led entering final furlong, ran on well, won at Musselburgh 5f hcp (D2) gs in Nov beating Fiddle Me Blue by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Dispol Katie 9-1 Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 12, 10l behind River Falcon at Thirsk 5f stk sft.
Frascati 9-1 Led, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 12, 5l behind River Falcon at Thirsk 5f stk sft.
Four Amigos (USA) 9-1 In touch, challenged leader over 2f out, ridden and stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 12, 4l behind River Falcon at Thirsk 5f stk sft.
Mr Wolf 9-2 Led until headed 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 8, 4l behind Jadan at Hamilton 5f stk (E3) sft in Sept.
Highland Warrior 4-1fav Slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 6th of 11, 6l behind Harrison's Flyer at Musselburgh 5f hcp (D2) gs in Nov.
Percy Douglas 20-1 Soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Torrent at Southwell 5f stk fbs.
Wise Wager (IRE) 10-1 Dwelt, chasing leaders far side, effort over 2f out, soon beaten, 13th of 16, 13l behind Westbrook Blue at Thirsk 5f 3yo hcp sft.
