in touch and keen, ridden and lost place 2f out
behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out
towards rear, kept on from over 1f out, nearest finish
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders and keen, hung left over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, led over 3f out, headed inside final furlong one pace
mid-division, never nearer
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
outpaced towards rear, kept on from over 1f out
behind, ridden over 3f out, out pace, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Rondo, Strabinios King and Machinate appear the likely candidates on paper and Rondo is given the verdict. The handicapper appears to loosened the strings somewhat about David Barron's charge and as such, he remains potentially in off a decent mark. He would not mind any overnight rain on balance but as he appears effective on pretty much any surface, he looks the percentage play. Strabinios King has to be respected from the Pat Haslam stable. He is probably better judged on an emphatic Catterick victory rather than the below par run that ensued thereafter. Machinate has been well backed on recent outings without too much in the way of success. His win record does not make for good viewing but the market should be watched again. Mister Jingles won a claimer at 66/1 but has gone up 11lbs as a consequence. Smart Pick has ability but appears to reserve it for softer going. Nevinstown may just need a little more help from the handicapper whilst Guadaloup ran a fair race at Thirsk behind Esoterica and could be the best of the rest. A typically modest handicap but Rondo could be well in here and we seek not to oppose him.
Strabinios King 8-1 (9-3) Tracked winner, ridden and outpaced when hung right well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 10l behind Rebel Pearl (8-9) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (6) gd in Jun.
Mister Jingles 66-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, switched left over 1f out, kept on to lead close home, won at Musselburgh 7f clm (6) gd in Jul beating Ballyhurry (8-9) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Smart Pick 25-1 (9-1) Dwelt and towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Charles Parnell (10-1) at Catterick 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Jul.
Machinate (USA) 5-1fav (9-4) Always rear division, 10th of 12, 11l behind Top Dirham (9-4) at Thirsk 1m hcp (6) sft in Jul.
Desert Hunter (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Raced keenly, with leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Esoterica (9-0) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Nevinstown (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden along 3f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Top Dirham (9-4) at Thirsk 1m hcp (6) sft in Jul.
Penel (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Mid-division stand's side, ridden along and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 19, 4l behind Greek Secret (10-9) at Thirsk 6f ldy rds hcp (6) gf.
Rondo 13-2 (8-6) Mid-division stand side, ridden over 2f out, soon chased leaders, one pace inside furlong, 3rd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Charles Parnell (9-8) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jul.
