chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
towards rear, ridden and outpaced halfway, stayed on final furlong
held up, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in touch and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, outpaced towards rear, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden halfway, led inside final furlong, driven out
behind, outpaced until stayed on final furlong
close up, weakened over 1f out
Orientor is fancied to gain a long overdue success and can see off the likes of Peace Offering and Grigorovitch, while last year's Norfolk Stakes winner Masta Plasta is the most interesting of the three-year-olds and merits a second look in the betting. Masta Plasta does face a stiff test on these terms though and will need to have benefited greatly from his recent visit to Newcastle. Mark Lawson's 5lb will help reduce the burden of top weight but this looks a tough ask of Howard Johnson's charge. Grigorovitch is consistent and can go well for each-way backers. He ran a blinder from out of the handicap last time and will be a threat to them all if he is in the same frame of mind. Peace Offering gained a deserved win at Newcastle last month (Grogorovitch a length and a quarter behind) and also has to merit respect. However, Orientor has taken on only the best during his time and will find out any weaknesses in this lot. It is safe to assume that he is unscathed after his mishap at Ascot and he is fancied to have too much in the locker when he winds up with his challenge this afternoon.
Masta Plasta (IRE) 6-1 (8-10) Behind and pushed along, ridden well over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, never dangerous, 5th of 7, 6l behind Fayr Jag (9-2) at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) gf.
Orientor 100-1 (9-2) In rear near side, when hampered badly over 1f out and brought down in race won by Takeover Target (9-7) at Ascot 5f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun, 28 ran.
Fyodor (IRE) 10-1 (9-13) Towards rear, soon pushed along, some late headway but never able to challenge, 9th of 15, 4l behind Peace Offering (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcap (2) gf in Jun.
Peace Offering (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Held up in centre of track, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Newcastle 5f hcap (2) gf in Jun beating Grigorovitch (8-8) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Grigorovitch (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) Steadied at start, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Peace Offering (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcap (2) gf in Jun.
Handsome Cross (IRE) 7-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Matsunosuke (9-2) at Newmarket 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Come Out Fighting 7-2 (9-7) Chased leader, led over 3f out, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Grazeon Gold Blend (9-2) at Ripon 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Highland Warrior 11-1 (8-10) Always in rear division, 10th of 15, 4l behind Peace Offering (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcap (2) gf in Jun.
Harry Up 5-1 (9-4) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 5th of 11, 2l behind Oranmore Castle (9-4) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-90 (3) frm.
Glenviews Youngone (IRE) 9-1 (8-12) Pushed along and outpaced behind, ridden halfway, kept on inside final furlong, no impression, 6th of 9, 3l behind Free Roses (8-12) at Ayr 5f lst fll stk (1) gd.
Fantasy Explorer 11-8fav (8-11) Tracked leader, quickened to lead over 1f out, ridden and ran on strongly final furlong, won at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun beating Sarah's Art (8-2) by 2l, 8 ran.
Glencairn Star 4-1jt-fav (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden halfway, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Rudi's Pet (8-5) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Ptarmigan Ridge 20-1 (8-11) Towards rear, never dangerous, 10th of 11, 7l behind Oranmore Castle (9-4) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-90 (3) frm.
