mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd 1f out, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on no impression
dwelt, switched to race alone stands side soon after start, out paced 3f out, ridden and kept on final 2f, no chance with far side
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, switched right 2f out, quicken to lead over 1f out, soon ridden clear, readily
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place, weakened 2f out
behind, ridden and kept on final 2f, never near leaders
with leader, driven and lost place over 3f out, soon behind
tracked leaders, challenged over 3f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, soon outpaced, weakened 1f out
behind, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous
Brian Smarts Quatermain is taken to score again and take this opener at the expense of Thunderball and Tapis Wizard. The selection was thought good enough to run at Royal Ascot where he was obviously out classed and faired a lot better when dropped in grade at Redcar where he he stayed on nicely to win at a decent price. He looks a progressive type and although he carries top weight in this handicap he clearly has ability and if able to recapture his recent winning form he could prove difficult to beat. Thunderball improved with experience to run well in behind Courageous at Redcar when last seen out. Again he looks progressive and any market support should be noted. Tapis Wizard has shown enough ability in his three runs to warrant respect. He could be well treated and coming from a yard that like to have a tilt at the ring he should be closely monitored in the betting market. But for the winner we return to Quartermain.
Quatermain 20-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 1f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul beating Mannlichen (9-3) by a nk, 10 ran.
Smalljohn 4-1 (9-5) Made all, clear 2f out, ridden out final furlong, won at Thirsk 7f 2yo clm (4) gs beating Cherry Belle (8-5) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Thunderball 4-1 (9-3) With leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead when edged right inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 12, shd behind Courageous (9-3) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul.
Tapis Wizard 5-1 (8-7) Dwelt, behind far side, driven and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 15, 7l behind Richo (8-8) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn auc (4) gf in Jul.
Toby Tyler 10-1 (9-2) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest at finish, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Able Master (9-0) at Beverley 5f 2yo stk (2) gf in May.
Lahaleeb (IRE) 17-2 (8-1) In rear and soon pushed along, headway 2f out, switched left to outer, led 1f out, ran on strongly, won at Newbury 7f 2yo hcp (4) gd beating Lucky Redback (9-5) by 2l, 8 ran.
Aegean Warning 7-1 (9-0) In touch on outside, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 6th of 10, 14l behind Night of Fortune (9-2) at Kempton 7f 2yo hcp (4) pol in Jul.
Monsieur Jourdain (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Dwelt, towards rear, outpaced, no impression final furlong, 7th of 11, 5l behind Noodles Blue Boy (8-9) at Beverley 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gd in Jul.
