in rear, close up, headway over 2f out, not reach leaders
towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden to lead well inside final furlong all out
led, headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong
towards rear, close up, ridden 3f out, not clear run and switched right over 1f out, ran on
prominent, weakened 2f out, soon eased
Nonrunner
Golden Dixie, Desperate Dan and Bluebok all enter calculations and our vote goes to Golden Dixie. Victorious in a competitive race at York on Friday afternoon, the seven-year-old will be a tough nut to crack under a penalty and will be a short price if turning up on Saturday. Desperate Dan has always been held in high regard although his form has tailed off somewhat. With the trainer's string in quiet form - he could be one to take on. Bluebok returned to form with victory at Musselburgh. He clearly appreciates the fast ground and it would be no surprise to see him go close on this occasion. Devon Flame has ran well in the past at the course but would need to improve a couple of pounds on recent efforts. Willhewiz does win at this time of the year although his backers have had to wait a long time in between victories. Sprinters in form are always worth following and to this effect, we side with Golden Dixie.
Desperate Dan 16-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders far side to halfway, edged right 2f out, weakened rapidly over 1f out, 14th of 15, 12l behind Cashel Mead (8-11) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Devon Flame 12-1 (9-7) In touch, headway to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Adantino (8-6) at Bath 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Bluebok 14-1 (9-8) Prominent, ridden to lead 2f out, kept on well, won at Musselburgh 5f hcap (3) gf beating Glencairn Star (9-3) by 2l, 12 ran.
Willhewiz 6-1 (10-9) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, faded, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Guildenstern (10-1) at Salisbury 6f ldy rds hcp (5) gf.
Inch By Inch 16-1 (8-12) Prominent early, mid-division, headway on inside when not clear run over 1f out, switched right insude final furlong, never dangerous, 6th of 12, 4l behind Rampage (9-2) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Who's Winning (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 16, 13l behind My Gacho (9-4) at Haydock 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Golden Dixie (USA) 17-2 (8-9) Raced freely, prominent, ridden well over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 7th of 9, 5l behind The Lord (9-8) at Goodwood 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in May.