soon chasing leaders, weakened over 2f out
behind, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
held up, effort over 2f out, one pace
led until headed over 2f out, one pace
chased leaders, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
chased leaders, one pace final furlong
with leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace
always towards rear
mid-division, one pace from over 1f out
Mystical Ayr should know this course like the back of his (well) hoof and is taken to confirm superiority over Bijou Dan and land another overdue success. Zabeel Tower and Royal Citadel are closely matched and are also worth bearing in mind. The last named does not look especially well treated, though. And, as a long-standing maiden, she has now something to prove. Zabeel Tower has plummeted in the ratings since his time with Mick Channon and has been expensive to follow. However, his confidence will have been boosted by his all-the-way success here last month. A 5lb higher mark looks fair and he should go well with Tom Eaves back in the plate. Bijou Dan was in good heart in May - winning two of his three starts. However, he looks anchored by the weight today and needs to post a best effort to prevail. Therefore, we prefer to go with Mystical Ayr, who will simply just have to cross the road from his stable to join the others at the track. A dual course winner on soft ground, Linda Perratt's charge has plenty in his favour on these terms and rates as a confident selection to give us a good run for the money.
Bijou Dan 11-4fav (9-7) Held up, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Whittinghamvillage (8-0) at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Mystical Ayr (IRE) 11-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 4l behind Thornaby Green (8-4) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Jun.
Neil's Legacy (IRE) 13-2 (8-11) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 16l behind Ignition (8-9) at Hamilton 1m 1f fll hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Royal Citadel (IRE) 14-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, challenged over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Zabeel Tower (8-8) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (6) gd in Jun.
Zabeel Tower 14-1 (8-8) Made all, ridden 2f out, held on gamely, won at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (6) gd in Jun beating Royal Citadel (8-3) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Rotuma (IRE) 2-1fav (9-8) Tracked leader, led over 4f out, driven 2f out, kept on gamely final furlong, held on, won at Redcar 1m 2f clm (6) gs in Jun beating Apache Point (9-6) by a shd, 9 ran.
Catherines Cafe (IRE) 3-1fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 1f out, driven out, won at Musselburgh 1m Stks (41-45) (7) gs in Jun beating Linden's Lady (9-7) by 3l, 14 ran.
Apache Point (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden along 2f out, headway over 1f out, driven and ran on final furlong, 2nd of 12, hd behind Top Dirham (9-4) at Thirsk 1m hcp (6) sft.
