in touch, ridden over 2f out, had every chance over 1f out until weakened final furlong
led, ridden along 3f out, driven over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, kept on same pace
held up behind leaders, ridden over 3f out, was soon behind
held up in rear, headway and effort over 2f out, never reached challenging position
held up towards rear, smooth headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, kept on gamely
tracked leader, ridden along 3f out, driven to challenge and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace
towards rear, headway over 3f out, effort when weakening 2f out
held up, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, had every chance approaching final furlong, kept on
Only a small field going to post for this staying handicap and Numero Due who returned to winning ways last time gets the vote. That Musselburgh event was admittedly quite a muddling contest with the unconfirmed stayer in the field Fregate Island dictating matters up front but when asked to go about his job, Numero Due picked up well, fending off the challenge of the well fancied Danzatrice in the process. The selection is versatile with regard to tactics so if no pace exists it is likely his rider will make it and provide a test. Toldo hails from the same yard as the selection and therefore it will be worth taking a market check to see how both are shaping. Incidently, Toldo is also a front runner so the tactics adopted by the Moore contenders could prove crucial to the outcome of the race. However, Toldo returns after almost two years off so it is probably expecting too much of him to make a winning return here. Bollin Felix made a eye catching return to action at Doncaster in May, over a trip that would have been far from ideal. His winning form is on an easier surface though which would bring about reservations. Four Miracles could well be the fly-in-the-ointment. Mark Tompkins' filly tackles this two mile trip for the first time but studying her Nottingham effort over 1m 6f, she should little bother overcoming the task. Ground conditions at Newmarket on her most recent outing did prove a test for many on that particular day. Four Miracles is interesting but Numero Due is the selection.
Toldo (IRE) 33-1 (8-2) Led for 6f, chased leader, ridden to lead again over 2f out, hard ridden and kept on under pressure inside final furlong, won at Newcastle 2m hcap (2) gf in Jul '06 beating River Alhaarth (8-6) by a nk, 20 ran.
Numero Due 11-4 (9-6) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, led over 1f out and kept on well, won at Musselburgh 2m hcap (4) gd in May beating Danzatrice (8-9) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Sphinx (FR) 16-1 (8-13) Held up, ridden 2f out, no headway, last of 10, 16l behind Gee Dee Nen (9-1) at Haydock 2m hcap (2) gd in May.
New Beginning (IRE) 22-1 (8-11) Mid-division until weakened 2f out, 15th of 18, 13l behind Humble Opinion (9-3) at York 1m 2f hcap (3) gd in May.
Four Miracles 8-1 (7-12) Held up, some headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2f out, 9th of 10, 22l behind Ajaan (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gs in May.
Bollin Felix 20-1 (8-6) Mid-division, effort when not much room over 2f out, switched right and one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 8l behind Coyote Creek (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcap (4) gd in May.
Collette's Choice 8-1 (10-3) In touch, ridden along when outpaced 3f out, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Crossbow Creek (11-10) at York 1m 4f hcap (4) gd in May.
Directa's Digger (IRE) 8-1 (8-6) Held up in touch, headway over 3f out, led 2f out, edged right and clear final furlong, eased towards finish, won at Haydock 1m 6f hcap (5) gd in May beating Rudry World (9-3) by 6l, 13 ran.
