prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden when weakening approaching final furlong
in touch, led halfway, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
took keen hold to lead, headed halfway, soon beaten
held up, headway when not much room over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride and behind, ridden over 2f out, some late headway, never near to challenge
held up, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
dwelt, always in rear division
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong
steadied at start, held up towards rear, pushed along and headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reached winner
held up behind leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, never on terms
tracked leader, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
This should lie between New Wave, Ladeena and Sam's Secret, with the vote just going to Ladeena. John Dunlop's filly looked a very nice prospect when second in a big maiden field on her only start at two, but hasn't really followed up on that this year. The pick of some largely moderate performances this year came when third in similar conditions at Doncaster in July, and she met a tartar when fourth to Great Britain last time. This is one of her easiest tasks to date, and although we wouldn't recommend her with massive confidence, she may be able to dominate here and just gets the nod. New Wave hasn't been seen since the end of May, and was disappointing when trailing in last on his turf debut on that occasion. However, he had earlier shown promise in three races on sand, and the fact that he has been off the course suggests that a physical problem rather than the surface was the reason behind that poor run. Sam's Secret comes here with the best recent form on offer, having finished second in a big field, albeit a moderate one, in handicap company at York last time. However, she had looked fairly exposed before that, and although she cannot be ruled out entirely, we think she is worth taking on here. Sincerely has a bit more scope than the rest of these, and showed her best form when third to Minority Report in a weak-looking maiden at Newcastle last time. Barry Hills' filly would not have to improve a great deal to feature in the finish here, but for the selection we'll just stick with Ladeena.
Fir Tree Mistertopogigo gelding, half-brother to 7f & 1m winner Marinaite.
Kirin 18-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 10l behind Underscore (9-0) at Salisbury 1m 3yo mdn (5) gs in Aug.
Kirstys Lad Lake Coniston colt, half-brother to 7f & 1m winner Illustrious Duke.
New Wave 9-1 (8-10) Mid-division until ridden and weakened 2f out, last of 8, 28l behind Profit's Reality (9-2) at Chepstow 1m 3yo hcp (4) gs in May.
Ladeena (IRE) 4-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear far side, headway 2f out, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 16, 5l behind Great Britain (9-0) at Newcastle 7f mdn stk (5) gf in Aug.
Sam's Secret 25-1 (8-6) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, headway 2f out not much room over 1f out, switched right and ran on final furlong, 2nd of 18, 3/4l behind Neon Blue (8-3) at York 7f hcp (5) gf.
Sincerely 5-2 (8-7) Led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd when not much room last strides, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Minority Report (9-3) at Newcastle 1m mdn stk (5) gf.
Underthemistletoe (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Chased leaders to over 1f out, soon ridden and weakened, 12th of 18, 12l behind Anchor Date (8-11) at Thirsk 6f mdn stk (5) gf.
