behind, stayed on final furlong
soon driven, never troubled leaders
led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway over 1f, kept on final furlong, not reached winner
always behind, never a factor
mid-division, not clear run over 1f, soon no impression
chased leaders, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon headed, no extra near line
soon driven and behind, eased final furlong
mid-division, short of room over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
stumbled badly start, mid-division, headway 2f out, driven to lead near line
Not many can be ruled out in this wide open sprint handicap; so Pacific Pride is only a tentative choice over He's A Humbug, Namir and Foxy Music. It would also be dangerous to write off The Tatling even though he has only a solitary win to his name since September 2005. Milton Bradley's colt is used to being primed for a crack at something like the Nunthorpe at this time of year; so this ease in grade is at least in his favour. However, the veteran is running as if he is simply on the downgrade so cannot be forwarded with maximum confidence. Foxy Music has been hard to win with this season and needs a drastic change of fortune. He will also need a significant downpour of rain to bolster his claims. Namir hit the post at Pontefract last week and would be a big threat if posting a similar effort. He goes well at this course and, like his stablemate Rabbit Fighter, should be noted for each-way support. He¿s A Humbug won over course and distance last month and is obviously in good heart just now. However, he was well held off his revised mark last time and now has a bit more to prove. Therefore, the vote goes to Pacific Pride, who is undoubtedly well handicapped and, having dropped a significant hint that he is on the way back with a solid run at York last month, it would be harsh to desert him now. The John Quinn-trained gelding runs off the same mark here and has a live chance of getting his campaign back on track.
The Tatling (IRE) 50-1 (8-0) Raced far side, slowly into stride, always behind, 19th of 26, 11l behind Toms Laughter (8-3) at Ascot 5f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
He's A Humbug (IRE) 2-1fav (9-4) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 5th of 9, 4l behind First Order (9-1) at Newcastle 5f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Foxy Music 28-1 (9-0) Led, edged right over 1f out, soon headed, edged left, not quicken, edged left towards finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Green Manalishi (9-0) at Chester 5f lst stk (1) gd in Jul.
Green Park (IRE) 25-1 (8-5) Held up, one pace from over 1f out, 10th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Look Busy (8-13) at Ayr 5f hcap (2) gd in Jul.
Bo McGinty (IRE) 66-1 (8-0) Raced centre, hung right and joined main group, over 2f out, soon no impression, 16th of 26, 10l behind Toms Laughter (8-3) at Ascot 5f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Irish Pearl (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) With leader, ridden, lost place approaching final furlong, no extra, 7th of 10, 6l behind Marvellous Value (9-7) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Avertuoso 11-2 (9-5) Missed break, always in rear, last of 9, 9l behind First Order (9-1) at Newcastle 5f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Pacific Pride 16-1 (9-6) Led for 1f, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Methaaly (9-2) at York 6f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Gallery Girl (IRE) 12-1 (9-7) Never better than mid-division, last of 15, 13l behind Stolt (9-2) at York 5f hcap (4) gd in May.
Porto Santana (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Dwelt and jumped left, towards rear, headway to 7th 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 4l behind Daring Man (9-5) at Dundalk 5f mdn stk pol in Mar.
Rabbit Fighter (IRE) 11-4fav (8-12) In touch, no impression on winner over 1f out, soon lost 2nd, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Dvinsky (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jul.
Namir (IRE) 9-2fav (9-10) Hampered at start, held up mid-division, ridden along halfway, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Commander Wish (9-0) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Divine Spirit 14-1 (9-10) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, ran on towards finish, 5th of 14, 2l behind Commander Wish (9-0) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Mey Blossom 20-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 10, 12l behind Marvellous Value (9-7) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
