prominent over 3f
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong
prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders, led over 1f out, headed, no extra close home
led, ridden, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace
slowly into stride, always behind
always behind, eased over 1f out
steady to start, held up, never dangerous
chased leaders over 3f
Nonrunner
Beamsley Beacon gets the vote over Amanda's Lad, with Mind Alert and Innclassic just two more to consider. This Banded affair should not take too much winning, and it is to one of the three course and distance winners, Beamsley Beacon that we look to as the answer. The Michael Dods-trained four-year-old has appeared here 11 times in all, and finally came good when scoring in March. He ran well on his return from a near six-month break when third to Dellagio 17 days ago, and will strip fitter now. Mind you, he is only one of many that could easily land this, and it would be no surprise if Amanda's Lad were to go close either. He is another that does not win too often, but he has form here. The slight drawback is that he appears to go better over six furlongs so is opposed. Mind Alert won here last time with the aid of a visor and is well treated compared to his old Turf form, while Innclassic has been knocking at the door with a couple of fair efforts in the context of this race. It is a bit of a guessing game, but Beamsley Beacon is the pick.
Mind Alert 7-1 (8-8) With leaders, quickened to lead inside final furlong, won at Southwell 6f stk (7) fbs beating Mambazo (9-2) by 1l, 8 ran.
Amanda's Lad (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Orchestration (8-11) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Beamsley Beacon 15-2 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Dellagio (8-11) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Blendon Belle (FR) 50-1 (8-9) Dwelt and towards rear, headway and hung left over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Rapid River (8-4) at Southwell 5f mdn clm (7) fbs.
Empress Josephine 14-1 (8-11) Went left start, chased leader to halfway, 10th of 14, 12l behind Dellagio (8-11) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Innclassic (IRE) 9-1 (8-11) Chased winner throughout, ridden well over 1f out, ran on well towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind On The Trail (9-0) at W'hampton 5f stk (7) pol in Oct.
Largs 20-1 (9-1) Never in contention, 8th of 13, 7l behind Magic Amour (8-8) at W'hampton 6f stk (7) pol.
Misty Princess 50-1 (7-11) Led to halfway, weakened well over 1f out, 12th of 15, 12l behind Vague Star (8-13) at Doncaster 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Shaymee's Girl 33-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 15th of 17, 9l behind Largs (8-11) at Warwick 5f app stk (7) gd in Oct.
Torrent 28-1 (8-13) Slow away, outpaced behind, kept on final furlong, no impression, 6th of 14, 6l behind Orchestration (8-11) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Velvet Touch 12-1 (8-10) Led, headed 2f out, ridden and still every chance inside final furlong, one pace soon after, 7th of 10, 6l behind Sweetest Revenge (9-8) at Lingfield 5f fll hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Percy Douglas 16-1 (8-9) Chased leaders 3f, soon weakened, 15th of 17, 11l behind Mystery Pips (8-6) at Catterick 5f app hcp (6) gf in Oct.
