held up, headway 3f out, ridden and kept on same pace final 2f, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never able to challenge
held up, struggling over 4f out, no danger after
led, quickened 4f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish
steadied start, held up behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on strongly under pressure inside final furlong to lead towards finish
mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden and effort over 2f out to over 1f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, lost place 4f out, soon behind
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression
in rear, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, never dangerous
MARKINGTON arrives here in irresistible form and can be fancied to land his third consecutive win. Jackday will be a big threat despite being 2lb wrong at the weights, while Tribe and Merrion Tiger also hold solid claims for places in the frame. Merrion Tiger is yet to win on turf, though. And has been struggling to make an impact from his current mark. Tribe has been victorious under both codes and also handles most types of ground. He needs stiff test of stamina these days and, as he will be suited by the likely strong pace, he can make the frame at least. As will Jackday, who is effective at two miles and, having handled the course well on his only previous visit to Newcastle; the son of Daylami is respected as a big threat. However, Markington has brushed aside all comers of late and is taken to score again while he is on a roll. Admittedly, the races he has won have been poor and he does need to step things up a notch today. However, Peter Bowen's gelding is at the top of his game and has to be of extra interest in his bid to brush aside a modest penalty.
Dzesmin (POL) 3-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, never on terms, last of 6, 5l behind Dazzling Light (9-1) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Indonesia 11-2 (9-10) Slowly into stride, held up, never troubled leaders, 7th of 10, well behind Tyrrells Wood (9-7) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Danzatrice 33-1 (8-10) Held up in rear, ridden 4f out, stayed on final 2f, 6th of 10, 8l behind Nemo Spirit (9-8) at York 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Sonara (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 6, 4l behind Dazzling Light (9-1) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Markington 9-2 (8-3) Started slowly and was held up in rear, headway over 4f out, driven over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post, won at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Mr Crystal (8-11) by nk, 8 ran.
Tribe 7-2 (9-3) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, ran on final furlong, took 2nd post, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Sweetheart (9-10) at Folkestone 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Simonside 9-1 (10-8) Tracked leader, led over 7f out, headed over 3f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Dimashq (8-13) at Ripon 1m 4f ldy hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Hyper Viper (IRE) 22-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, always behind, 15th of 16, 20l behind Resplendent Light (9-6) at Pontefract 1m 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct '07.
Jackday (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Towards rear, headway under pressure over 3f out, stayed on well final furlong, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Inchpast (9-9) at Ripon 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Uptown Lad (IRE) 50-1 (7-13) Dwelt, always behind, 8th of 12, 15l behind Miss Keck (9-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Winged d'Argent (IRE) 22-1 (9-13) Always behind, 10th of 13, well behind Kayf Aramis (9-6) at York 2m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in May.
Merrion Tiger (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Prominent, ridden and effort over 2f out, staying on under pressure when bumped and carried right final furlong, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Callisto Moon (9-8) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
