chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened
fly leapt start, behind, ridden halfway, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
very slowly away, behind, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders to 2f out
with leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
with leaders, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, edged left and one pace
chased leaders, pushed along 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, driven out
chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, soon hung left, no extra towards finish
NORTHERN BOLT can shock his rivals here in this finale; the shortlist consists of recent winners Babyshambles, Top Bid and Sea Rover, whilst it wouldn't be wise to underestimate Angelo Poliziano either. The selection is now rated 80, which is perhaps still on the high side. However he did run well at Doncaster at the end of last year off 78 and two runs at Wolverhampton since may not have suited. Now returned to a flat track he looks sure to progress further and he will be happy with any further rain that falls. If there is much rain then a high draw may be the place to be and therefore High Curragh must be of interest, although to be fair this isn't the biggest of fields. Babyshambles holds Pacific Pride on their run earlier this month, and the latter may prefer quicker ground, whilst Sea Rover impressed at Haydock last time and although he has different conditions today it should not stop a bold show before he goes up further in the weights. Kyzer Chief was poor last time out, Lord Of The Reins is starting to look well-handicapped, whilst blinkers are tried for the first time on Mister Laurel who needs to bounce back. An open race then, where Top Bid has the services of Jamie Kyne today following a good win at Haydock, however we are happy to stick with Northern Bolt.
High Curragh 16-1 (9-12) Chased leaders to halfway, 11th of 12, 20l behind Red Cape (9-0) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Northern Bolt 13-2 (8-7) Held up mid-division, never dangerous, 8th of 9, 9l behind Little Edward (8-13) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Mar.
Baybshambles (IRE) 13-2 (8-11) Held up in touch, headway on outer over 1f out, soon ridden, led iniside final furlong, kept on, won at Beverley 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Liberty Ship (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Mister Laurel 16-1 (8-11) Outpaced, soon hung right, ridden halfway, kept on, never nearer, 5th of 8, 7l behind Bahamian Babe (9-5) at Leicester 5f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jun.
Lord of The Reins (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 12l behind Red Cape (9-0) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Pacific Pride 4-1fav (8-12) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Baybshambles (8-11) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Sea Rover (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Chased leader, led halfway, driven clear over 1f out, ran on well, won at Haydock 6f hcp 0-80 (4) fm beating John Keats (9-4) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
Kyzer Chief 12-1 (8-10) Chased leaders to halfway, last of 7, 14l behind Le Toreador (9-12) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Angelo Poliziano 9-2 (9-12) Prominent, challenging entering final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Sarasota Sunshine (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jun.
Top Bid 13-2 (9-2) Hampered start, held up, headway stands side over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to lead towards finish, won at Haydock 5f app hcp 0-75 (5) gd beating Distant Vision (8-6) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Highland Warrior 25-1 (9-2) In rear far side, weakened final furlong, 10th of 13, 5l behind Requisite (9-8) at Ripon 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Jun.
Wicked Wilma (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Prominent, led halfway, soon ridden, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Rocketball (8-12) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
