tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked winner until over 3f out, kept on on to chase winner inside final furlong, ridden and kept on towards finish
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression
made all, ridden over 1f out, driven out towards finish
held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous
Peter Monteith complicates matters for backers by saddling three of the seven runners for this handicap in Shy Glance, Bagber and Talk of Saafend and every one of the trio is making their seasonal reappearance with Bagber looking the pick of them on this ground but preference is for Jim Goldie's GRAND DIAMOND. The six-year-old made a highly encouraging return to action when a two length third behind Sand Tiger at odds of 25/1 last month and he has solid claims racing off the same mark today. Stable companion Jewelled Dagger has been well held in both starts this term but has been given a chance by the handicapper so cannot be completely discounted, while James Bethell's Templetuohy Max was good value for his Carlisle success last week but is likely to find this tougher under his penalty. Richard Fahey's Starla Dancer should do better on the faster ground today and has to be considered representing such an in-form yard but Grand Diamond ran well on his return at Musselburgh and can go two better today.
Starla Dancer (GER) 10-1 (8-11) Mid-division, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 10, 10l behind Jedi (9-4) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Jewelled Dagger (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Held up in mid-division, hard ridden to challenge over 3f out, weakening when not much room over 2f out, 9th of 10, 14l behind Sand Tiger (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Apr.
Shy Glance (USA) 16-1 (8-7) Close up, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 15, 24l behind Veiled Applause (8-6) at York 1m 2f app hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Templetuohy Max (IRE) 6-1 (8-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on to go clear inside final furlong, won at Carlisle 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Celtic Change (9-10) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Talk of Saafend (IRE) 25-1 (8-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to chase leaders final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Medici Pearl (9-10) at Hamilton 1m flls hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Aug.
Bagber 13-2 (8-11) Tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon one pace, lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 8, 10l behind Emirates Champion (9-5) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Grand Diamond (IRE) 25-1 (8-1) Settled in mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden to challenge, ran on close home, nearest finish, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Sand Tiger (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Apr.
