John Hopkinson Memorial Claiming Stakes

Off time: 17:10 | Winning time: 2m 34.81s

(2)

Grand Inquisitor^v²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: B A Curtis| T: Ian Williams| OR: 86| D

5/6

On a hat-trick after winsning a 1m2f handicap at Chelmsford and a 1m4f claimer at Catterick. Clearly in good heart and should make a bold bid again but is slightly worse off at weights than he would be in a handicap.

Form: 58-5112

(3)

Lexington Law^v³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: A King| OR: 85| D

4/1

First ever runner at the track for fine dual purpose handler. Been struggling off high marks in handicaps of late and beaten 10 lengths when second in Wolverhampton claimer last time. Big chance of able to recapture old form on these terms though.

Form: 365062

(1)

Mirsaale^p¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Hart| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 84

12/1

Been a fine servant to connections winning 10-55. Faced stiff task in Chester Cup penultimate start and disappointing in Catterick claimer last time. Struggling to find his form it seems but has big chance if able to roll back the years.

Form: 00-9507

(5)

Royal Flag¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: Ben Robinson⁽³⁾| T: B Ellison| OR: 64| D

16/1

Second in Haydock 1m6f handicap earlier this term but balance of form suggests he has plenty to find with his four rivals and will find this a very tough task.

Form: 2-08257

(4)

Izvestia^b³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: Jane Elliott⁽³⁾| T: A Watson| OR: 80| C

4/1

In good form with recent wins in 1m2f sellers and may have more to offer trying this new trip for the first time. Faces much tougher opposition but is very much respected for yard in great nick this season.

Form: 318-011

Forecasts

Grand Inquisitor (5/6), Lexington Law (4/1), Izvestia (4/1), Mirsaale (12/1), Royal Flag (16/1)

A very trappy little event but narrow prefernece is for MIRSAALE who would ideally prefer a little further but his class may carry him through if he can rekindle the fire. Izvestia is in form and might well improve for the step up in trip so is feared, while Grand Inquisitor holds the selection on recent form and is a big danger if proving as effective on the anticipated quicker ground. Lexington Law is a first ever runner here for Alan King so won't be have travelled north just to sample the Yorkshire air.