tracked leader, pulled hard, ridden, weakened well over 2f out
towards rear, keen, headway, hampered halfway, again over 1f out, one pace
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one pace when not clear run from over 1f out
towards rear, ridden 2f out, never dangerous
led, ridden over 2f out, headed final furlong, one pace
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, soon headway, led inside final furlong, stayed on well
towards rear, headway on outer over 2f out, led 1f out, hung right, one pace
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace
in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, no impression final furlong
close up, weakened over 2f out, not much room when beaten inside final furlong
held up, not much room 2f out when weakened
slowly into stride, in rear, outpaced, kept on same pace from over 1f out
Nonrunner
A chance is taken with My Flame, who is selected ahead of Grit and the lightly raced Thanxforthat. A high draw also makes Carpe Diem interesting for his handicap debut and support in the betting ring would be noteworthy. Thanxforthat is of modest ability but has dropped a few hints that a race of this nature could be within his reach. The gelding has the benefit of a couple of outings behind him this season and he should not be underestimated. Ordinarily a draw in stall one would be very off-putting about Grit, as he will need to be on his mettle to gain a handy position. However, there is so little strength in depth that it may not be such a worry today. And, as he has at least won a race of late, Mick Channon's gelding can at least be guaranteed to know what to do if the chips fall in his favour. However, My Flame has really shaped encouragingly this term and, as he is likely to be available at a fair price, John Jenkins' charge just gets the nod on this occasion. The form of his close second behind Topazes is a solid guideline and, having performed respectably in his only subsequent start, My Flame should not be deserted while he is near the top of his game.
Young Gladiator (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Always in rear, 10th of 13, 17l behind My Mentor (9-10) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Grit (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway to challenge over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Tamasou (9-6) at Musselburgh 1m 3yo hcp (6) gs.
Carpe Diem 16-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden halfway, no impression, 9th of 16, 11l behind Choiseau (9-0) at Yarmouth 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
Isabella's Fancy 8-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden over 3f out, headway and hung left over 1f out, never dangerous, 5th of 14, 7l behind Deep Winter (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun.
My Flame 10-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Admirals Way (8-7) at Yarmouth 7f 3yo hcp (6) gd in May.
Princess Rhianna (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Behind, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 11l behind Dnata Flyer (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Ace of Spies (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 13l behind Natural Rhythm (8-11) at Hamilton 1m 3yo hcp (6) gs.
Defies Logic 9-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, lost over 3f out, soon behind, 12th of 14, 10l behind Amicable Terms (8-12) at Redcar 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Brandane (IRE) 25-1 (8-7) In touch until weakened 3f out, 11th of 14, 24l behind Horatio Carter (9-2) at Carlisle 7f 3yo hcp (5) gd.
Personal Choice 20-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, weakening when hampered over 3f out, 11th of 13, 32l behind Kimono My House (8-13) at Southwell 1m fll mdn hcp 0-70 (6) fbs.
Monte Cassino (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Mid-division until weakened halfway, last of 17, 39l behind Avontuur (9-7) at Carlisle 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.
Lucky Character 4-1 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, some headway to chase winner final furlong, soon one pace, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Molly Ann (9-0) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Thanxforthat (USA) 20-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, effort 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 6l behind Aussie Blue (9-0) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jun.
Oxbridge 18-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, soon beaten, 9th of 10, 16l behind Averoo (8-9) at Doncaster 6f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Jun.
