steadied start, keen and soon chasing leaders, lost place 6f out, headway over 3f out, hung left over 1f out, one pace
led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride and went right, reminders 6f out, headway over 2f out, one pace
towards rear, some progress 7f out, soon no impression
held up and keen, steady headway over 5f out to chase leaders, weakened over 1f out
in touch, closer order over 10f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 4f out, ridden to lead 1f out, ridden clear
York Cliff is taken to get back to winning ways at the expense of Coda Agency, Picacho and Treason Trial in an open affair. Nothing stands out too much on form here, but York Cliff has already been successful on easy going when scoring over two miles at Ayr in May, proving that he stays today's sort of trip. He failed to reel in the favourite Ostfanni on faster ground at Musselburgh last time when partnered by the trainer's son, but Liam Jones, who won on him earlier, is back in the plate, and the return to more testing conditions should enable him to go close. Coda Agency is still a maiden, but went down narrowly when second at Bath last October, with Picacho well behind. That was the only time that he has been tried on easy going, and as he ran really well, it is surprising that he has been kept to top of the ground before and after. He has a squeak off his current mark, along with Treason Trial who has a chance on his York victory of two years ago, achieved off a higher mark and on soft ground. There may not be much in it, and only a narrow vote goes to York Cliff.
Picacho (IRE) 15-8fav (9-7) In rear, effort 3f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 13l behind Malakiya (9-4) at Bath 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Eforetta (GER) 5-1 (9-1) In touch, driven 10f out, headway over 5f out, weakened over 3f out, last of 6, 10l behind Global Strategy (9-3) at Southwell 1m 6f hcap (5) fbs in May.
Turn 'n Burn 33-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, soon prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 14l behind Salute (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
York Cliff 4-1 (11-0) Held up, headway on inside 6f out, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, took 2nd near finish, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Ostfanni (11-1) at Musselburgh 2m amt hcp 0-80 (6) gd.
To Arms 10-1 (8-6) Towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Hezaam (8-3) at Ripon 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in Jun '06.
Treason Trial 7-2 (8-9) Held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 4th of 6, 5l behind Sand Repeal (8-13) at Folkestone 1m 7f app hcp (5) gd.
Coda Agency 12-1 (8-11) Held up, effort and headway over 3f out, kept on to chase leaders, one pace, 4th of 12, 7l behind Colwyn Bay (8-10) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Squiffy 7-2 (8-12) Towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 12, 11l behind Orchard House (8-5) at Southwell 1m 6f hcap (6) fbs.
