held up behind leaders, ridden along 3f out, driven 2f out, soon beaten
led, ridden along over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, one pace final furlong
behind, ridden along after 2f, never a factor
dwelt, soon in touch, ridden to lead well over 1f out, soon clear, edged right approaching final furlong, pushed out
in touch, ridden along over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Duke of Touraine can land his hat-trick with relative ease at the expense of Atabaas Pride and Celtic Strand. The selection actually had a run over hurdles at Hexham earlier in the month where he finished second so in effect his hat-trick bid failed, however prior to that he had won back to back races at Beverley over various trips. He won over seven and ten furlongs and now tries his hand over eight. He is versatile and consistent and is sure to give his followers a good run for their money. Atabaas Pride has run well in defeat this season finishing third on all starts. He has not been beaten far in each race and can once again run well off his current mark. Celtic Strand ran well at generous odds at Newcastle on his seasonal reappearance when second to Gala Casino Star. He is only lightly raced and will continue to improve so any market moves should be noted. But for the winner we return to Duke of Touraine.
Atabaas Pride 9-4fav (9-7) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Prince Hamlet (9-3) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Cathedral Walk (USA) 16-1 (9-2) With leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra when not much room towards finish, 4th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Always Brave (8-8) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (5) gs in Apr.
Safebreaker 7-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, close up, ridden to take 3rd over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression on leaders, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Mischief Making (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Gala Casino Star (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Held up, effort over 3f out, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 8l behind Resplendent Light (9-1) at Musselburgh 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Shadowtime 16-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, 5th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Wind Shuffle (8-8) at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Jun.
Duke of Touraine (IRE) 11-8fav (9-1) Held up towards rear, smooth headway 2f out, effort approaching final furlong, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Apr beating Highland Love (8-13) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Celtic Strand (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Gala Casino Star (8-9) at Newcastle 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
