prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on, one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 3f out, stayed on well final 2f
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, not troubled leaders
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, driven and weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead final furlong, kept on well
prominent, led over 3f out, headed final furlong, soon driven and no extra
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, never on terms
In a highly competitive qualifier for the Cumberland Plate it can pay to look for a bit of value, with the consistent ZAPLAMATION making a touch more appeal than Hurlingham and Hydrant. That is not to dismiss the claims of Bollin Dolly and Danehillsundance, as both are serious contenders and are respected as such. But that is likely to be reflected in their odds. Danehillsundance has won off higher marks in the past and will be suited by the stiff nature of the course. However, he hasn't been the most consistent performer in recent times and there will always be the suspicion that he will revert to type. Bollin Dolly will no doubt be a popular choice and was impressive when winning in an authoritative manner at Ripon last month. However, she can be a bit of a madam when she wants to be and, as she also has a tendency to race freely; it's unlikely that she will have everything her own way in this more competitive event. Hydrant is relatively unexposed but has yet to really impress under either code of racing. He did, however, manage a win on the all-weather in February so from a 1lb lower mark today; he can be considered for a place in the frame. Hurlingham will sport a visor for the first time in public and, typically for a Mick Easterby-trained runner, has an intruding profile. Even though the gelding hasn't won for going on three years, his placement is managed by one of the shrewdest minds in the game. Any hint of double-figure odds could be made to look generous for a place post race. However, there is a touch less guesswork involved in siding with the consistent Zaplamation, who thrives on being kept busy and, as he seems to have found a new lease of life this season, the John Quinn-trained gelding is a punter's choice in a very tricky handicap.
Tepmokea (IRE) 11-1 (8-7) Raced keenly, led 1f, tracked leader, led again over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra, 5th of 12, 6l behind Eastern Aria (9-7) at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Aug.
Danehillsundance (IRE) 3-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, faded final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Celtic Change (8-12) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Mujaadel (USA) 9-1 (9-1) Led, headed well over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind Sir George (8-11) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Royal Power (IRE) 12-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders and keen, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 15, 33l behind Harrison George (9-4) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Apr.
Bollin Dolly 5-4fav (8-8) Tracked leaders, led 4f out, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on well, won at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Orpen Wide (8-1) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
Brushing 11-2 (9-6) In rear, headway approaching final furlong, switched sharply left inside final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders, 4th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Right Rave (8-10) at Sandown 1m 1f flls hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Hydrant 20-1 (8-4) Led early, tracked leader, every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind King Fingal (8-9) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Zaplamation (IRE) 11-4 (8-7) Held up in touch, headway to 3rd over 2f out, stayed on inside final fulong, almost snatched 2nd, no chance with winner, 3rd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Taaresh (8-6) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Wind Shuffle (GER) 5-1 (8-12) Took keen hold, soon led, headed 5f out, hung left from 4f out, weakened and virtually pulled up 3f out, tailed off, last of 7, 50l behind Taaresh (8-6) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Hurlingham 9-2fav (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 5l behind Bourne (9-2) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Oddsmaker (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Led and set good pace, headed over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 7, 17l behind Jackday (9-2) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Casino Night 33-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 11l behind Magic Echo (9-2) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
