held up, effort over 1f out, kept on
behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on
tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, hampered inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged left and stayed on inside final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on
tracked leaders and keen, not clear run over 2f out on inside, effort and close 3rd when badly hampered inside final furlong, not recover
This is a competitive handicap and we like the look of Stellite; Esoterica and Abbondanza appeal most of the others. The selection arrives here in good form, he was only narrowly beaten last time over 1m, and with this slight drop in trip a massive plus for him he should be tough to beat. Esoterica is quickly turned out after going close at Thirsk on Tuesday. He was a little unlucky in that race so he has an obvious chance of gaining his compensation today. Abbondanza won well last time on his return from a break, but that was a claimer and he has more on his plate here. Flying Bantam is a capable performer but he has yet to hit top gear this season and we prefer the claims of Stellite who has his optimum trip and he can make a bold bid for the gold medal.
Abbondanza (IRE) 6-1 (9-11) Close up, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out and kept on well, won at Musselburgh 1m clm (4) gd in May beating Royal Dignitary (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Distant Sun (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Always towards rear, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 7l behind Blue Tomato (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
H Harrison (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Led, quickened halfway, headed over 1f out, soon faded, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Red Romeo 9-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Dado Mush (8-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in May.
Flying Bantam (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Towards rear, ridden along and headway on inner 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Shotley Mac (8-11) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Flores Sea (USA) 16-1 (9-1) Towards rear, never dangerous, 16th of 18, 11l behind Winthorpe (8-12) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in May.
Esoterica (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-7) Towards rear, headway when not much room 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Yamal (9-3) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-75 (5) frm.
Stellite 3-1fav (8-10) Tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Sunnyside Tom (8-10) at Musselburgh 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf.