towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out to challenge inside final furlong, no extra close home
led, headed and ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
towards rear, ridden over 4f out, some headway over 2f out to mid-division, soon one pace
prominent, led over 3f out, soon ridden, weakening over 1f out and headed entering final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, some headway over 1f out and weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong nearest finish
held-up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out to lead entering final furlong, kept on well under pressure
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
This is a very open contest and Samuel Charles gets a tentative vote but many of his rivals must also be given consideration. Digital is well weighted on the basis of his September Goodwood win and can be rated a little higher than for his Sandown run last time as they went a false pace early on. Flur N H Alba can still be given a chance despite having been raised four pounds for his course and distance win May 22. However, he is seven pounds worse of for the three-parts of a length he beaten Samuel Charles on that occasion, so will need everything to drop right to score in a race that he won last year. Samuel Charles has since run well when just beaten by the progressive Lady Georgina at Goodwood and deserves to get his head in front. Ballyhurry could be very interesting given that he is now rated just a pound lower than for his course and distance win last September and he looked to be coming to hand last time when fourth at Musselburgh. Much as he was behind Flur N H Alba and Samuel Charles over today's course and distance in May, he is better off at the weights now and should go well. Sarraaf continues to knock at the door, while The Bonus King won at Listed level as a juvenile and gave the impression that he was on the way back last time. Tidy is rated six-pounds higher than for his heavy ground Newcastle win in April, and Fair Shake appeared to show improved form in cheekpieces last time, and they are left on today. Desert Arc has show improved form in winning his last two races and now steps up in trip. Who's to say he wont improve again, while Balakiref looks just about held from his current mark, but watch the betting with regard to the Thirsk maiden winner, El Palmar, who steps into handicaps for the first time. As we say, it's a tricky race and Samuel Charles gets a tentative vote.