led and soon tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on, one pace
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
soon led, ridden over 2f out, kept on, headed and no extra close home
mid-divison, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
slowly into stride, always behind
Surprisingly few make serious appeal in the Showcase event and the vote goes to True Night to gain a deserved success at the main expense of Bouncing Bowdler, Uhoomagoo and Ballyhurry. The David Nicholls-trained gelding has shaped better than his finishing position in recent races would suggest and now looks primed to deliver. The six-year-old was a fast finishing third over an inadequate six furlongs at Redcar last month and was then poorly drawn in a valuable contest at Newmarket's July meeting. The selection didn't get the clearest of runs in a competitive event at York last time but is now well treated on the pick of his old form and this represents an easier opportunity to get his head in front. Bouncing Bowdler has struggled since landing a decent handicap at Ascot last August but is now on a very attractive mark and showed signs of a return to form here last time. The step back to seven furlongs shouldn't inconvenience this pacey performer who will prove no pushover despite conceding weight all round. Uhoomagoo has shown a consistent level of form of late and has solid place claims while Ballyhurry has been well placed to win two of his last three starts including over course and distance. However, Jim Goldie's charge is taking a rise in class here and preference is for True Night to take the honours.
