mid-division on inside, headway over 1f out, one pace and no impression inside final furlong
chased leaders on outside, pushed along halfway, kept on same pace inside final furlong
went left start, outpaced and always in rear
chased leaders on inside, switched left 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well
chased leaders, ridden inside final 2f, went 2nd final 100 yards, stayed on
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd final 100 yards, kept on same pace in 3rd
mid-division, raced awkwardly and stumbled just over 3f out, headway and hung right from over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge
soon outpaced towards rear, never on terms
outpaced in last trio, pushed along and struggling when injured and pulled up inside final 2f
raced keenly, chased leader, every chance 2f out, ridden and lost 2nd over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
This has been won by some smart performers with the last two winners going on to score in much better class. Robert Cowell won it two years ago with Prince Of Lir and runs Adam Tiler, whose last effort was in a Sandown Listed contest where he ran well for a long way. Mark Johnston scored last year with Cardsharp and Doncaster winner Victory Command led for a long way over 6f at Pontefract on his next start. Its The Only Way has a double penalty for his opening victories and has been finding 6f taxing his stamina in subsequent starts but Life Of Riley put the experience of his opening run to good use with a comfortable victory at Ripon. Being drawn next to the rails won't do JUNGLE INTHEBUNGLE any harm as he's been finding 5f on Polytrack too sharp despite winning at Lingfield. He's likely to be finishing best of all and hopefully will find the gaps in a very competitive renewal.
Its The Only Way (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Chased leaders on outside, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, some late headway, no threat, 5th of 7, 8 1/4l behind Cosmic Law (9-5) at Epsom 6f stks (2) sft in Jun.
Life of Riley 6-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, switched right over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well (hand timed), won at Ripon 5f stks (5) gf in May beating Rockin Roy (9-6) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Big Ace 7-4fav (8-13) Went right start, made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on, won at Hamilton 5f stks (4) gf in May beating Delft Dancer (9-3) by nk, 9 ran.
Jungle Inthebungle (IRE) 6-5fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Arthur's Spirit (8-13) at Kempton 5f stks (5) pol in Apr.
Tin Hat (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 7 1/4l behind Glory Fighter (9-2) at Lingfield 5f stks (4) gd in May.
Victory Command (IRE) 10-3 (9-6) Tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Ninetythreetwenty (9-6) at Pontefract 6f stks (2) gd in May.
Wasntexpectingthat 13-8fav (9-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, headway entering final furlong, ridden to lead inside final furlong, edged left towards finish, won at Beverley 5f stks (6) gf in May beating Big Ace (9-2) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Adam Tiler (USA) 40-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 4 1/4l behind Vintage Brut (9-3) at Sandown 5f lst stks (1) gd in May.
King Billy (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Close up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 8 1/2l behind Li Kui (9-2) at Catterick 5f stks (5) gd in Jun.
Midnight Sands (USA) Speightstown colt out of It's Midnight.
