Verdict

ISLAND CHIEF can defy a penalty to land this handicap, the others to consider are Tiger Reigns and Espero. The selection was an easy winner at Musselburgh earlier in the month and a 6lbs penalty may not be enough to stop him in his bid to follow up today. Tiger Reigns could be the fly in the ointment but he was all-out to score at Newcastle last time out when he got the better of Sunshine Always. He is admirably consistent and he will be hard to keep out of the frame. Espero wasn't beaten far in a maiden at Haydock last time and he doesn't look too harshly treated on his handicap debut. Crime Writer is better than he showed last time out when he brought up the rear at Doncaster. He could be worth another chance, but Island Chief is in great heart and he can continue to reward his supporters.

Formwatch

Tiger Reigns 11-10fav (9-4) Tracked leading pair, steady headway to lead over 2f out, ridden and hard pressed from over 1f out, stayed on gamely final furlong, just held on, won at Newcastle 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun beating Sunshine Always (9-2) by shd, 4 ran.

Espero (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Switched left soon after start, held up, headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to press winner towards finish, always just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Royal Destination (9-12) at Haydock 1m mdn stks (5) gd in Jun.

Crime Writer (USA) 11-2 (8-6) Led centre group, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 8, 19l behind Musaalem (9-8) at Doncaster 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.

Trumpstoo (USA) 40-1 (8-13) Always behind, 15th of 16, 17l behind Barwell Bridge (9-5) at York 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.

Island Chief 3-1 (9-1) Made all, jinxed badly left over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Musselburgh 1m 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Hawkeyethenoo (8-9) by 11l, 5 ran.

Queen Of Dobbin (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Chased leaders in 5th, no extra from under 2f out, 11th of 15, 18l behind Allegra Tak (8-9) at Naas 7f fll mdn stks.

Proud Times (USA) 7-2 (8-13) Led, headed well over 2f out, soon ridden, no impression approaching final furlong, 6th of 12, 12l behind Cipher (8-13) at Redcar 1m mdn auc stks (6) gd in Jun.

Maggie Lou (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Behind mid-division, lost place and in rear over 3f out, hard ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 9, 7l behind Kyllachy Star (9-9) at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun.