behind, outpaced 2f out, never on terms
held up in touch, effort on outside over 1f out, driven and stayed on to lead well inside final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 2f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
soon led, driven over 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, driven and outpaced over 1f out, no impression final furlong
in touch, driven over 2f out, no extra from over 1f out
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, soon lost place, weakened final furlong
in touch, driven to lead 1f out, headed and no extra well inside final furlong
BOTHAM can come out on top in this apprentice handicap; the list of dangers is headed by Quick Gourmet and Highly Acclaimed. Trainer Jim Goldie does well with his runners here and Botham is the only course and distance winner in the field today. He finished down the field at Ayr last time but he wasn't beaten all that far and he had previously won well at this venue. He has a good draw and he can make it count. Quick Gourmet was only narrowly beaten in a maiden here last time and she has the best of the draw. However, her form in handicap company leaves a little to be desired and she will need to improve to get her head in front. Highly Acclaimed has ability but she was well beaten last time out and this drop in trip is not sure to play to her strengths. Strathmore has a poor strike-rate and the percentage call would be to take him on. We will therefore stick with Botham who looks primed to regain the winning thread.
Mission Impossible 22-1 (11-2) Towards rear, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 10th of 15, 8l behind Highland Warrior (11-7) at Doncaster 5f am hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jul.
Botham (USA) 6-1 (9-8) Towards rear, never nearer, 7th of 10, 8l behind Imperial Sword (9-7) at Ayr 6f all hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Scrapper Smith (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Raced in rear pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead inside final furlong, won at Carlisle 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul beating Cheyenne Red (9-4) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Quick Gourmet 25-1 (8-5) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on well, not reached leaders, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Cheyenne Red (9-3) at Hamilton 6f mdn stks (5) sft.
Strathmore (IRE) 11-1 (8-6) Towards rear, kept on from over 1f out, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Prince Namid (9-3) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Grand Minstrel (IRE) 100-1 (8-9) Always behind, last of 7, 23l behind Firey Red (8-8) at Naas 1m cond Stakes sft in Jul.
Highly Acclaimed 11-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 17, 8l behind Winrob (8-10) at Thirsk 1m 3yo sll hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jul.
Fantasy Fighter (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, held up, ridden, flashed tail and looked reluctant entering final furlong, ran on well for hand riding after, nearest finish, 7th of 10, 4l behind Bluebok (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Jul.
James Street (IRE) 80-1 (8-2) Ridden 3f out, always towards rear, 8th of 10, 19l behind Kargan (9-5) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul.
Hettie Hubble 28-1 (8-4) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, hung left under pressure and soon chasing winner over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Ask Dan (9-0) at Hamilton 1m 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gs.
