led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, soon one pace
behind, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, no impression final furlong
mid-division, headway 2f out, not much room and switched inside over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd towards finish, no impression
in touch, ridden 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, not quicken final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride and behind, headway 2f out, stayed on to lead well over 1f out, ridden out, readily
chased leaders to over 2f out, soon behind
chased leaders, lost place 3f out, soon outpaced, stayed on under pressure final furlong, never trouble leaders
slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
chased leaders to halfway, soon beaten
always behind
disputed lead, ridden 2f out, soon lost place
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
This is a very open affair and a tentative vote goes to Passion Fruit, with The Old Soldier and Weakest Link just two of many dangers. The selection ended last campaign with a victory at Ayr in October. That was a much improved performance as he beat some modest horses very easily. He starts this season on a very fair mark and any softening of the ground will enhance his chances. The Old Soldier gained an overdue second victory here last month. That was in a banded event but this isn't much better and a big showing can be expected. Weakest Link returned to the turf with an excellent effort last time. He was well up with the pace throughout and was just touched off by Brave Bear. A similar effort today should see him involved in the finish. The old timer American Cousin still has plenty of ability and may do best of the others, but in a race that should be treated with caution, Passion Fruit just gets the verdict.
Quantica (IRE) 4-1fav (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden when outpaced over 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 6th of 16, 7l behind Camille Pissarro (9-11) at Nottingham 6f stk (7) gd in May.
The Old Soldier 9-4fav (8-7) Held up, headway on inner over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, won at Carlisle 7f stk (7) gf in May beating Royal Windmill (8-8) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Mickledor (FR) 11-1 (10-13) Mid-division, ridden halfway, soon one pace, 8th of 14, 4l behind Attorney (11-1) at Hamilton 6f amt hcp (6) gd.
Weakest Link 7-1 (8-13) Prominent far side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Brave Bear (8-10) at Hamilton 5f mdn hcp (6) gs.
Passion Fruit 5-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden 2f out, chased leader soon after, led well inside final furlong, all out, won at Ayr 7f mdn clm (H5) sft in Oct beating The Loose Screw (9-0) by 5l, 12 ran.
Maluti 4-1jt-fav (9-4) Raced stands' side, held up, headway over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Enjoy The Buzz (9-11) at Folkestone 5f hcp (6) gf.
Jalouhar 5-1fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, headway 4f out, ridden and weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 14, 9l behind Camille Pissarro (9-2) at Southwell 7f stk (7) fbs in May.
American Cousin 8-1 (8-12) Towards rear, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong but no impression, 7th of 14, 7l behind Trinculo (9-12) at Newcastle 5f clm (6) gd.
