slightly hampered start, mid-division, not much room 4f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
held up and keen, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
always behind
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous
held up, ridden and headway when hung left from over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
went right start, in touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
led after 1f, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led 1f, prominent, ridden 2f out, ran on inside final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders
United Nations has run well in his last couple of starts but has still yet to win a race since his Wood Ditton success two years ago and a better bet looks to be Benandonner, who is preferred to Southport Star. The last mentioned was good value for his maiden success two starts ago but has disappointed in handicaps either side of that and he may be best watched in this grade at present. Joshua's Gold has paid the penalty at the hands of the handicapper for his win here over seven furlongs in June and, while holding his form well, he may be best watched over this longer trip. Bijou Dan is better on the all-weather than on turf so cannot be discounted but he is probably a shade high in the weights, while Defi is another that is seemingly facing an uneven battle against the handicapper. The vote then goes to Benandonner, who has admittedly yet to win a race but Ed Dunlop's colt has done little wrong of late in better races than this and he gets the vote to open his account here.
Crail 6-1 (9-4) Held up, some headway over 1f out, never on terms, 6th of 14, 7l behind She's Our Lass (9-8) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.
United Nations 10-1 (9-7) Led, rein broke and hung badly right 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, kept on final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Bailieborough (9-8) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Aug.
Bijou Dan 6-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, headway to challenge over 1f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Motu (9-4) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Aug.
Defi (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, keen early, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 15l behind Royal Dignitary (9-13) at Musselburgh 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Aug.
Southport Star (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) Held up, pushed along halfway, soon beaten, last of 7, 16l behind Secret Liaison (9-7) at Folkestone 7f 3yo hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Thunderwing (IRE) 12-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 1l behind Saxon Lil (9-7) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Aug.
Benandonner (USA) 3-1 (8-13) Raced freely, set steady pace, hard pressed 2f out, soon headed, ridden to chase winner, no impression, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Landucci (9-0) at Kempton 1m app hcp (4) pol.
Joshua's Gold (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner, 2f out, one pace, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Bucharest (8-7) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Aug.
