RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: THE STATESMAN (5) was probably the run of the race in an event five of these horses contested on June 27, which was won by the flying Good Tobe Locksley. He drew two, drifted back to near last and made a sustained three-wide charge to finish third, beaten just 2.9m. He clocked some good sectionals home, and while he’s unlikely to find the fence here, I’m happy in his corner given how well he’s going of late. Just need some Chris Alford magic from gate five… SOHO DARKNSTORMY (4) has blistering gate speed and looks almost a certain leader here, so he must be a huge danger. He drew seven, speared over and led that aforementioned race and was only nailed in the shadows of the post. To be fair, he probably had every chance there, but the lead might be a little easier this time and a slightly softer trip in front might be good enough for him to sneak away with this. SPRINGFIELD AFFAIR (1) gets the draw to run well while MEDINA (9) won well two back here at Melton in a handy race.