tracked leader, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, kept on same pace
led, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
dwelt, behind and soon outpaced, never able to challenge
held up behind, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, driven 3f out, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on and every chance from over 1f out, no extra final furlong
held up, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, headway to lead 1f out, driven and kept on well final furlong, readily
Nonrunner
The drop in trip last time at Ayr saw SIR ROYAL in a better light and continuing over that trip he is fancied to see off Xpres Maite and Betteras Bertie in this concluding handicap. Alan Swinbank's well-related son of Dieses is yet to win in six starts but he has run well in defeat, incudling behind Esoterica last time who has come out and handsomely franked the form since. Although there might be a question mark over this ground, he looks the horse to beat assuming the market speaks in his favour. Darfour ran well in defeat last time and he represents Jim Goldie (trainer of Esoterica) who should know where he stands, whilst Prince Samos returns to the flat after a spell hurdling. Aussie Blue is a pound out of the weights but needs considering after a good effort in defeat last time and he looks fairly handicapped, as does multiple course winner Efidium who loves this track. Betteras Bertie has a 10lb rise in the weights for a recent romp at Doncaster which makes life tough; that was his first win in 21 starts and although he may be a changed horse he is still taken on today given his overall profile. Xpres Maite is a classier sort, and Roy Bowring has his horses in good form. This experienced gelding has 10 wins to his name, and although he has a 4lb rise in the weights for his Yarmouth win last time, compared to his all-weather rating he still looks fairly treated and must go close if lasting home over this longer trip. Sir Royal however is the horse who can reign supreme.
Sir Royal (USA) 6-1 (9-1) With leader, led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Esoterica (9-3) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May.
Xpres Maite 5-1 (9-4) Soon led, headed 3f out, rallied to lead again well inside final furlong (hand timed), won at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in May beating Hobson (9-3) by nk, 8 ran.
Prince Samos (IRE) 10-3 (9-5) Slowly into stride, soon in mid-division, headway and switched left over 2f out, chased leading pair and edged right over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Nawamees (9-5) at Leicester 1m 2f clm stks (5) sft in Sep.
Betteras Bertie 11-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged right and ran on final furlong, won at Doncaster 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gf in May beating Amber Ridge (8-3) by 7l, 16 ran.
Efidium 20-1 (8-3) Mid-division on inside, not clear run and switched right over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 8l behind Templetuohy Max (9-2) at Redcar 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
Flora's Pride 16-1 (9-10) Towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, no impression final 2f, 5th of 10, 16l behind Charity Belle (8-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f fll mdn stks (5) gf in May.
Aussie Blue (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) In touch, chased winner over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Desert Hunter (8-3) at Carlisle 1m app hcp (6) gf.
Darfour 7-2 (9-5) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Joe Jo Star (8-9) at Ayr 1m 1f app hcp 0-60 (6) fm.
