tracked leaders, driven to lead well over 1f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
prominent, driven over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, pushed along and outpaced over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride and behind, headway on inner over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
steadied at start and took keen hold towards rear, headway over 1f out, ran on to chase winner final furlong
led, headed well over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
Queen's Composer is taken to get the better of Formal Decree and Midnight Traveller in this handicap. The selection ran well enough last time at Thirsk when fading to finish fourth behind Heaven Knows. That was a decent effort and with a proven ability to handle these ground conditions he just edges the vote. Formal Decree has plenty of ability and he was an unlucky second behind Flying Clarets at Ripon last time. He stumbled that day at a key stage in the race but he is not an easy ride and this quirky character can't be backed with any confidence. Midnight Traveller was an eyecatcher when second behind Mobsir at Lingfield last time. He was denied a clear run but was flying at the finish and with this step-up in trip in his favour he will not be far away. Crosby Vision may prove the best of the remainder, but in a fascinating race, we will stick with Queen's Composer to lead them home.
Heureux (USA) 10-1 (8-13) Led, headed 7f out, tracked leaders, outpaced 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 4, 8l behind Pearly King (9-4) at Redcar 1m 2f 3yo hcp (3) frm.
Crosby Vision 15-2 (9-4) Led stand side, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with far side, 4th of 13, 6l behind Abbey Cat (8-12) at Newcastle 7f 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Midnight Traveller 9-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, smooth headway when short of room approaching final furlong, ran on to take 2nd post, 2nd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Mobsir (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd.
Formal Decree (GER) 8-1 (8-8) Held up towards rear, not much room and switched left 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Flying Clarets (8-5) at Ripon 1m 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Queen's Composer (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Heaven Knows (9-4) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (4) hvy.
Baileys Encore 11-4 (9-0) Dwelt, soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, held when short of room inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 2l behind Qualify (9-0) at Yarmouth 1m 2yo mdn (5) hvy in Oct.
Flying Clarets (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, staying on towards finish, 5th of 15, 7l behind Diamond de Triano (8-12) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (5) sft.
Rebellious Spirit 7-1 (9-3) Held up, not much room over 2f out, once pace final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Capistrano (8-13) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gd.