chased leaders, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, one pace and dropped to 3rd towards finish
took keen hold, held up in touch, ridden on outside edging left 2f out, soon no impression
held up in touch, headway on inside when not much room over 2f out, ridden chasing leaders over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
raced keenly, soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon lost 2nd, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up in last pair, headway on outside over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd towards finish, not reach winner
always behind
led briefly, chased leader, pushed along 3f out, ridden and lost 2nd inside final 2f, chased leaders, one pace and no impression, weakened well inside final furlong
held up in last trio, ridden and headway on outside into 2nd inside final 2f, led approaching final furlong, stayed on strongly
chased leaders on outside, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
Most of these have fair claims in what rates a thorny problem of a race. The likes of Tiger Jim and Fullon Clarets suggested on latest runs that their time could be near, notably the former who finished close-up in a competitive large-field Doncaster handicap. Eastern Racer and Classic Seniority may just have too much lead in the saddle on this occasion and GOLD FLASH is a hopeful choice. He ran a fine race over a furlong further last time when third in the Carlisle Bell Consolation Handicap, prior to which he was just repelled by Classic Seniority here in mid-June. He's a couple of pounds better off now for that narrow defeat and is taken to reverse placings. Avenue Of Stars has looked a useful sprinter in the making this season and will be a danger to all if seeing out this new trip on soft ground.
Eastern Racer (IRE) 10-1 (9-13) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, hampered over 1f out, no impression, 11th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Art Obsession (9-3) at Doncaster 6f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Classic Seniority 10-1 (9-5) Mid-division, pushed along 3f out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 6 1/4l behind Boots And Spurs (8-12) at Doncaster 7f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Tiger Jim 8-1 (9-10) In rear, not clear run over 1f out or when closing inside final furlong, ran on, never threatened, 8th of 16, 2 1/4l behind Art Obsession (9-3) at Doncaster 6f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Fullon Clarets 15-2 (9-11) Upset in stalls, chased leaders, switched left inside final 2f, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4 1/4l behind Gabrial The Tiger (9-7) at Chester 7f hcp (4) gs in Jun.
Moonlightnavigator (USA) 6-1 (9-0) Chased winner, pushed along 3f out, driven and lost 2nd just over 1f out, not much room and switched right inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Chosen Character (8-12) at Haydock 1m hcp (4) gs in Jun.
Gold Flash 10-1 (9-1) Mid-division, headway on outside 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 16, 2 1/4l behind Gurkha Friend (9-6) at Carlisle 1m hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Avenue Of Stars 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 1l behind Art Obsession (9-3) at Doncaster 6f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Royal Duchess 9-1 (9-5) Mid-division, outpaced over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never reached leaders, 5th of 9, 3 1/4l behind Surewecan (8-13) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Sophie P 25-1 (8-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 2 3/4l behind Cymraeg Bounty (9-10) at Ayr 7f hcp (4) sft in Jul.
