prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind, eased 2f out
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, no extra
held up towards rear, some late headway, never dangerous
went right start, tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon weakened and eased
mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on final furlong, not reached winner
in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon edged left, weakened inside final furlong
made virtually all, challenged from over 2f out, kept on well under pressure
with winner until weakened over 1f out
dwelt, held up towards rear, driven and headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
Mia's Boy has taken time to get his act together, however this mark of 73 could under-estimate his potential and Peter Chapple-Hyam's charge is given our nomination; Guacamole and Fondled make it to the shortlist. The selection caught the eye of the stewards on his second run when well fancied but couldn't improve on that next time. Finally, at the fourth attempt (and on rain-softened ground), he came good at Thirsk when shaping as if this mile trip would suit. Lazy Darren tries a visor for the first time, with blinkers having had no effect last time out; improvement is required. Fondled looks an obvious danger but James Fanshawe's runner has become frustrating to follow and needs to improve in order to score off a mark of 78. Karoo Blue, Celtic Change and Guacamole all come here in good form and each is likely to figure prominently in the betting. Lap Of Honour has only scored once in 14 starts but seems to have realised what the game is about recently and should not be written off, and whilst Top Bid should run his normal steady-eddie race, we are happy to return to Mia's Boy as the selection.
Karoo Blue (IRE) 7-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, good headway over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, just failed, 2nd of 11, shd behind Cape Hawk (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Guacamole 15-2 (9-6) Held up in touch, driven to challenge over 2f out, led inside final furlong, edged left under pressure, kept on well, won at Newmarket 1m fll hcp (4) frm beating Smart Ass (9-12) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Lazy Darren 9-1 (9-5) Dwelt, held up towards rear, driven and hung badly left 2f out, no impression, 5th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Glencalvie (9-4) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Fondled 13-8jt-fav (9-0) Mid-division, headway 2f out, led just over 1f out, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Rustic Flame (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 3yo mdn fll (4) gs in Jun.
Top Bid 9-2 (8-13) With leader, led over 2f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Sundae (9-7) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Russki (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Soon led, strongly pressed from over 1f out, headed final 100 yards, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Cape Hawk (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Celtic Change (IRE) 11-8fav (9-1) Held up towards rear, switched left and headway over 2f out, ridden to lead when hung right entering final furlong, stayed on, won at Redcar 1m hcp 0-75 (4) gs in Jul beating Moonhawk (9-4) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Bed Fellow (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Pulled hard, soon tracking leaders, ridden and beaten 2f out, last of 11, 12l behind Cape Hawk (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Lap of Honour (IRE) 5-2fav (9-5) Chased leader, led 2f out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Stargazer Jim (9-12) at Nottingham 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Mia's Boy 1-2fav (9-3) Prominent, ridden along and switched right over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Thirsk 7f 3yo mdn (5) gs in Jun beating Trees of Green (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Balnagore 33-1 (8-8) Mid-division, effort and hampered over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, 5th of 16, 3l behind Ladies Best (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp 0-95 (4) gs in Oct.
