in touch, close up 6f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
in touch in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on one pace
dwelt, close up, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
dwelt towards rear, ridden 4f out, some headway over 1f out, never a factor
tracked winner, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace
made all, ridden and ran on
Dual course and distance winner Sophie P showed further progress to win at Musselburgh on Sunday and makes a quick reappearance under a penalty. Course regular Royal Regent went close again over 1m2f here in August while Jay Kay was runner-up in a Class 5 handicap at Carlisle last time. Clef continues to struggle but the returning Ce La Vie remains unexposed as does BAMBER BRIDGE. The latter gave notice of a big run here with a fourth at Redcar last time and a chance is taken Michael Dods’ colt handles today’s going.
Strong Steps 33-1 (9-10) Broke well, soon taken back towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression, 11th of 13, 20 1/2l behind Whatsthemessage (8-10) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (3) gs in Aug.
Finn Class (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 23 3/4l behind Fastar (8-11) at Haydock 1m hcp (3) hvy in Sep.
Royal Regent 9-2 (9-4) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, led well over 2f out, soon hard pressed, ridden and headed narrowly inside final 2f, kept on until no extra final 100 yards, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Weekend Offender (10-0) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (3) gs in Aug.
Bamber Bridge (IRE) 5-1 (9-12) Tracked leaders, driven over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 11, 1 1/4l behind Mon Beau Visage (10-4) at Redcar 1m hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Ce La Vie 15-2 (8-9) Held up, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, faded final furlong, 4th of 7, 7 1/4l behind Indulged (9-6) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp fll (3) hvy in May.
Clef 25-1 (8-7) Held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 9 3/4l behind King's Pavilion (9-2) at Carlisle 1m hcp (3) hvy in Sep.
Jay Kay 7-1 (9-6) In touch, ridden and headway to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Ventura Secret (9-2) at Carlisle 1m hcp (5) hvy in Sep.
Sophie P 11-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, headway over 2f out, chased leader when edged left over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on to lead inside final 100 yards, won at Musselburgh 1m hcp fll (3) sft in Oct beating Peach Melba (9-8) by 2l, 8 ran.
Saint Equiano 16-1 (9-6) Tracked leader, lost place 2f out, soon one pace, gradually weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Aimez La Vie (9-3) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (4) sft in Oct.