chased leaders, went 2nd inside final 2f, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, held on for 2nd but no chance with winner
took keen hold tracking leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened 2f out
off the pace in last pair, some late headway, never threatened
in touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden and went 3rd inside final 2f, kept on same pace final furlong, kept on presssing for 2nd but no chance with winner
made all, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on well
slowly into stride, outpaced in rear, headway into never dangerous 4th over 1f out
dwelt, soon chasing winner, pushed along halfway, lost 2nd inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out
Scent Of Summer finished closer dropped into this grade at Thirsk last week while Grand Beauty opened her account in a maiden race at Newcastle and can figure. Brazen Spirit scored here in July but was well beaten last time off only a 2lb higher mark and Red Stripes is upped 3lb after dead-heating for first at Chelmsford last month. Kinematic can do better back on a faster surface today but a chance is taken on EXCELLENT GEORGE as he posted his best effort in handicaps so far when third in this grade at Chelmsford in July.
Red Stripes (USA) 11-4fav (9-8) Chased leader, ridden to lead narrowly inside final furlong, ran on, joined post, won at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (4) pol in Aug beating Borough Boy (8-12), 8 ran.
Scent Of Summer (USA) 11-1 (9-6) Not much room start, soon switched right, held up behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, no impression when not much room inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, never reached leaders, 7th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Miss Mullberry (9-3) at Thirsk 5f hcp (4) gs in Sep.
La Cuesta (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) In rear, ridden over 1f out, never near leaders, 10th of 12, 5 1/4l behind Apricot Sky (8-10) at Haydock 5f hcp (4) gs in Sep.
Excellent George 8-1 (8-4) In touch, under pressure well over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, 4th of 14, 3 1/4l behind Golden Amber (9-4) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (3) pol in Aug.
Grand Beauty (IRE) 4-11fav (9-0) With leaders, led over 2f out, driven clear final furlong, stayed on, comfortably, won at Newcastle 5f mdn stks (5) gs in Sep beating Malvia (9-5) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Brazen Spirit 3-1fav (9-6) Towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, soon headway, one pace, 4th of 6, 4 1/4l behind Absolute Champion (9-7) at Bath 5f hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Pillar Box (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Soon led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra final 110 yards, 7th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Red Stripes (9-8) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (4) pol in Aug.
Kinematic 4-1fav (9-2) Held up in rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, never able to challenge, 7th of 9, 7 3/4l behind Macdillon (9-2) at Newbury 5f hcp (4) sft in Aug.
