very slowly away, always behind
prominent, led over 3f out, soon ridden, headed over 2f out, gradually faded
soon switched right, always towards rear
mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden to challenge 3f out, every chance 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, led briefly over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, led 2f out, soon headed, kept on same pace
always mid-division
in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
led until over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened 1f out
mid-division, kept on same pace final 2f
always behind
never better than mid-division
in touch until 3f out
always behind
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division until 2f out
held up towards rear, headway 3f out, switched left 2f out, strong run to lead 1f out, soon clear, readily
A very difficult opener for punters to get involved in and the shortlist considers Fantasy Defender, Height of Spirits, Seldemosa and Zinging and Seldemosa is recommended at minimum stakes. Malcolm Saunders' charge is less exposed than most and having once raced at the heights of 61, she is now in off a platers mark. There was plenty of encouragement to be gleaned from a recent run in a ladies handicap and she is likely to be a fair price on the day. Fantasy Defender has to be among any calculations at this level and has been consistent throughout the course of the year - connections will be praying that the rain stays away. Height Of Spirits is exposed and is yet to score on turf. That said, he has a positive jockey booking with Simon Walker aboard. Zinging is invariably popular in events of this nature. John Bridger won this race last year but rain would be a worry. Gran Cliquot ran her best race for years in a claimer but is scarcely open to improvement at her advanced years. Ben McHugh seems to be making a name for himself in this sphere so Peters Delite is watched in the market for any signs of positivity. The Job has ran well fresh in the past although invariably he needs everything to fall right in order for him to win. Bogaz has dropped down the weights massively but that is on account of poor form rather than the handicapper's benevolence. Seldemosa gets the nod.
Fantasy Defender (IRE) 7-2 (9-6) In rear when hampered on rail over 3f out, soon ridden and beaten, 7th of 9, 10l behind Hadath (9-2) at Brighton 1m app hcp (6) frm.
Peters Delite 12-1 (9-6) Behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Ayam Jantan (9-4) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Seldemosa 33-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, not clear run near rail, switched left over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Dark Moon (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcap (6) gf.
The Job 33-1 (8-11) Took keen hold, tracked leader, led halfway, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Terenzium (8-9) at Kempton 1m app banded (7) pol in May.
Zinging 33-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 6l behind Prince Valentine (9-6) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) frm.
Gran Clicquot 50-1 (8-11) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 4l behind Monash Lad (9-0) at Windsor 1m 4f sll (5) gf in Jul.
Bogaz (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, lost place 5f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 6l behind Enjoy The Magic (8-11) at Leicester 7f 3yo & 4yo sll (5) gd.
Green Pirate 14-1 (9-1) Awkward start, held up, headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 18, 10l behind The Cayterers (8-10) at Leicester 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jul.
