chased leaders far side, weakened over 1f out
chased leader far side group, weakened final furlong
behind far side group, never dangerous
slowly into stride, soon chasing winner stand-side group until outpaced over 1f out
chased leader stands side group, edged left and every chance entering final furlong, kept on same pace
made all stands side group, ridden 2f out, kept on well
chased leaders far side group, weakened over 1f out
raced far side group, behind from halfway
behind far side group, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong
mid-division far side group, ridden over 2f out, no impression
raced stands side group, chased leaders until edged left over 1f out, soon outpaced
in touch far side group,led far side group over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
The short-list comprises Ursus, Big Slick and Many Welcomes with the vote going the way of the hat-trick seeking gelding. Chris Wilson's charge has proved a revelation since reverting to sprint distances and followed up his fast ground win over five at Redcar with another narrow success over six at Newcastle under contrasting conditions. There's always the concern that the quick races will take their toll but he's only edging up the weights and looks capable of going in again. Conditions look ideal for Big Slick and it's possible that the step back up to six will engender further improvement and his chance is respected. Many Welcomes finished just over 3 lengths behind the selection at Redcar despite being hampered at the start. She's well worth a try over this longer trip on that evidence and could go close if handling the ground. Bonne is a rare runner here for Michael Bell and would have to be feared if the market vibes are positive whilst Mandalay King could go well again if handling the softer ground and Jaconet shouldn't be ruled out despite only having won a seller last time. As far as the selection goes though, we're happy to stick with Ursus.
Big Slick (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Wotashirtfull (9-4) at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Jun.
Red Skipper (IRE) 25-1 (8-2) Reared start, held up, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 19l behind Koraleva Tectona (8-11) at Pontefract 6f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Paint Stripper 20-1 (8-2) Held up, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 15l behind Spirit of A Nation (9-4) at Redcar 1m 3yo hcp (5) sft in May.
Planet Queen 13-2 (8-4) Hampered start, in rear and soon pushed along, weakened over 2f out, last of 11, 41l behind Koraleva Tectona (8-11) at Pontefract 6f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Bonne 10-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, never a factor, last of 8, 5l behind Ben (9-0) at Kempton 5f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Apr.
Jaconet (USA) 13-2 (8-9) Made all far side group, ridden clear 2f out, just held on last strides, won at Ripon 6f app sll (6) gf in Jun beating Missus Molly Brown (9-2) by a ns, 17 ran.
Andrasta 16-1 (8-0) In touch until weakened halfway, 8th of 9, 12l behind Howards Tipple (8-13) at Hamilton 5f clm (6) gd.
Fantasy Fighter (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace, 6th of 15, 3l behind Minwir (9-0) at Great Leighs 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun.
Rich James (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Chased leaders 4f, last of 13, well behind One Called Alice (8-11) at Southwell 7f 3yo hcp (6) fbs in Jun.
Many Welcomes 20-1 (8-7) Towards rear, soon ridden, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Ursus (8-2) at Redcar 5f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Miss Sunshine 25-1 (8-2) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden when hampered over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Averoo (8-9) at Doncaster 6f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Orpen Bid (IRE) 16-1 (8-4) Held up, headway on outer over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 10, 35l behind Portrush Storm (8-10) at Carlisle 1m 1f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (5) gd in Jun.
Mandalay King (IRE) 12-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, driven out, won at Redcar 6f app hcp (6) gf beating Buzbury Rings (9-5) by 2l, 13 ran.
Ursus 40-1 (8-2) Held up in rear far side, pushed along and headway 2f out, ridden and stayed on strongly to lead close home, won at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Jun beating Ancient Cross (9-7) by a nk, 16 ran.
