raced keen, led, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
never better than mid-division
mid-division, pushed along half way, ridden and no impression final 2f
mid-division, headway and effort over 1f out, one pace under pressure
chased leaders, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, kept on
slowly into stride, towards rear, never dangerous
always behind
with leader, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind
close up, led over 1f out, ridden out
Abbey Cat has been a model of consistency and can get back to winning ways at the expense of Island Prince, Strong Approach and Angaric in a competitive start to proceedings. Although only successful once from her six starts, Alan Swinbank's filly has already been unlucky on a number of occasions, including when chasing home Mister Benedictine at Beverley a fortnight ago. That was over seven furlongs, but this drop back in trip could be the key, as it may well be her optimum distance. With Jamie Spencer on board for the first time, the daughter of Indian Danehill should go close. The trip should also suit Island Prince who came late on the scene to score over five furlongs here last time. He has plenty of weight for what he has achieved so far though and will need to improve. Strong Approach was a bit too keen for his own good when sent off as favourite at Hamilton, and a bit of restraint will see him run well also. Angaric has been given topweight for his nursery bow but has a plum draw in stall 12, so should not be discounted entirely. For the winner though we return to Abbey Cat.
Angaric (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Mid-division, chased along halfway, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 4l behind Grazeon Gold Blend (9-0) at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug.
Island Prince (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Behind, soon driven and outpaced, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to lead inside final furlong, held on, won at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (6) gf in Aug beating Sir Orpen (9-0) by a shd, 8 ran.
Strong Approach (IRE) 7-4fav (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Shaydreambeliever (8-1) at Hamilton 6f 2yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Abbey Cat (IRE) 5-2 (8-8) Steadied at start and held up, headway 2f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Mister Benedictine (9-4) at Beverley 7f nov aut stk (5) gf in Aug.
Captain Bolsh 25-1 (8-5) Hampered start, held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on, 8th of 12, 9l behind Santiago Star (8-13) at Newmarket 7f 2yo hcp (4) gd in Aug.
On The Side 6-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 4l behind Charles Darwin (9-7) at Nottingham 6f 2yo hcp (5) gs in Aug.
Grafton (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 7l behind Levera (9-0) at Leicester 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Jul.
Miss Mujahid Times 28-1 (8-9) Chased leaders on inside, driven halfway, ridden and weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 7l behind Island Prince (9-0) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (6) gf in Aug.
