dwelt, always behind
tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure to lead inside final furlong, headed post
held up towards rear, switched outside and headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong to lead post
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
always towards rear
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never on terms
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong
unseated rider and bolted going to post, chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong
chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, soon lost place
slowly into stride, always behind
always behind, lost touch over 2f out, tailed off
A chance is taken with Tsaroxy, who edges preference over the in-form Brace Of Doves, while Hansomelle and Coleorton Dane can also go well at fair odds. Coleorton Dancer showed signs of ability last year and was far from disgraced behind Musidora winner Secret History at Beverley last month. He should strip fitter for that run and is worth bearing in mind if supported today. Hansomelle also has form that ties in with the last named but has a bit to find if his effort at Ripon is taken on face value. Brace Of Doves has plenty of experience to draw from and arrives here in great heart after a couple of solid efforts of late. However, they were weak races he won and now has a bit more to prove. Therefore, we take our chances with Tsaroxy, who shaped with plenty of promise last season and is much better than his last start would have you believe. Howard Johnson has scored with his solitary previous runner on the Flat this term and, with several form lines giving Tsaroxy sound claims in this company, he looks good value to maintain his unbeaten status so far.
Tax Free (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Dwelt and soon led, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, won at Thirsk 7f 3yo mdn (5) gs in Apr beating Rio Riva (9-0) by a nk, 11 ran.
Tsaroxy (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed when quickly weakened over 1f out, last of 10, 19l behind Paris Bell (9-3) at Catterick 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (D2) sft in Nov.
Hansomelle (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden to go 2nd 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 14l behind Secret History (8-8) at Ripon 1m 3yo hcp (3) hvy in Apr.
Coleorton Dane 40-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Secret History (9-9) at Beverley 7f 3yo hcp (3) sft in Apr.
McEldowney 16-1 (9-3) Stumbled and unseated rider in race won by Bolodenka (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (5) gd, 19 ran.
Brace of Doves 4-1 (8-8) Made all, ridden 2f out, kept on gamely under pressure final furlong, won at Redcar 1m 3yo hcp (5) gd in Apr beating Society Music (8-9) by a hd, 13 ran.
River Biscuit (USA) 12-1 (8-8) Soon pushed along in rear, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 6, 25l behind Llamadas (7-12) at Southwell 7f 3yo hcp (D2) fbs in Mar.
Royal Master 4-1 (8-8) Made most, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, no impression and lost 2nd final 100 yards, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Minimum Bid (9-5) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (D3) pol in Jan.
