took keen hold in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led 1f, remained prominent, led over 2f out, strongly challenged entering final furlong, kept on well under pressure
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on same pace closing stages
awkward start and slowly into stride, driven forward to lead after 1f, soon 6 lengths clear, headed when hung left over 2f out, weakened quickly
tracked leaders, driven over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, never dangerous
slowly into stride, chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, stayed on well close home
Nonrunner
The handicapper has been a little mischievous in putting APPLEJACK LAD up the weights for hitting the frame at Newcastle but this doesn't appear a strong race and Michael Smith's gelding can finally post his first victory on Turf. Spokesperson had to settle for a share of the spoils at Ayr earlier in the month and Fred Watson's gelding steps up in trip in a bid to follow up. Dianne Sayer is doubly represented and Silver Shuffle makes most of interest of her pair. The gelding hasn't won on the Flat since 2010 and having tumbled down the weights, he would be a player if the rain arrives. Ronald Gee placed over course and distance in May and the long-standing maiden is entitled to take a hand on this occasion.
Applejack Lad 11-4fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, son chased winner, every chance inside final furlong, kept on and held near finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Mysterial (9-5) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Spokesperson (USA) 6-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, joined on line, won at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (6) gd in Jul beating Wolf Heart (8-13), 10 ran.
Silver Shuffle (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Led narrowly to after 2nd, tracked leader, led agan before 6th, headed after 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 6, 24l behind Make It Happen (10-12) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp (3) gd in May.
Harrison's Cave 12-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, driven forward to chase leaders, raced freely, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 8 1/4l behind Slipper Satin (9-6) at Wetherby 1m 6f hcp (6) gd in Jul.
Dalby Spook (IRE) 11-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, 4th and no extra last, 5th of 11, 33 1/2l behind Keep To The Beat (11-6) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Zruda 20-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 5th of 10, 1/2l behind Spokesperson (9-8) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (6) gd in Jul.
Vittachi 12-1 (8-2) Raced wide led, headed 5f out, tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 7, 20 1/4l behind Neuf Des Coeurs (9-6) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcp (6) gd in Jun.
Ronald Gee (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Took keen hold tracking leading pair, pushed along and outpaced 3f out, rallied into modest 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 2 1/4l behind Cloud Monkey (9-6) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Grand Diamond (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Held up in last pair, headway on outside 3 out, chased leaders before next, modest 4th 2 out, 4th of 8, dist behind An Capall Mor (11-3) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
