tracked clear leading pair, went 2nd on long run after last, ridden and stayed on same pace run-in
pressed leader, led after 5th, clear 2 out (normal 3 out), stayed on well, ridden out
led until after 5th, chased winner until weakened on long run after last
held up in 5th, went 4th at 7th until weakened last (normal 2 out)
raced wide, held up in 4th, jumped slowly 6th, dropped to rear at 7th, mistake 2 out (normal 3 out), headway in 3rd after last (normal 2 out), one pace and no impression run-in
JEU DE MOTS was always doing just enough to land the spoils over course and distance on Saturday for a yard whose inmates are currently running really well. He is saddled with a 7lb penalty for that success but still looks the one to beat with doubts about all four rivals. Ink Master is respected but has the steadier of 12-7 to deal with and Ardera Cross has been beaten a long way on each of three starts since scoring at Perth and is best watched. Alderbrook Lad is a hardy perennial around here but pulled up last time, whilst My Renaissance is useful at his best but has yet to find any spark in three starts since wind surgery and is another best watched at present.
Ink Master (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, one pace when hit last, weakened flat, 4th of 7, 13 3/4l behind Atlantic Storm (10-1) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Ardera Cross (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, jumped right at times, weakened 4 out, modest 4th, 4th of 7, 31l behind Callthebarman (11-2) at Perth 2m hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Alderbrook Lad (IRE) 9-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, jumped slowly 3rd, reminders after 8th, weakened and pulled up before 4 out, at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Jun.
My Renaissance 20-1 (9-10) Close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 15, 5 1/2l behind Stormin Norman (9-10) at Ripon 1m 4f hcp (6) gd in Jul.
Jeu De Mots (FR) 11-4 (11-10) Held up in 5th, headway after 8th, not fluent 2 out, outpaced and mistake last, rallied home turn, led final 150 yards, stayed on, won at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (5) sft in Jul beating Wisecracker (10-2) by 1l, 6 ran.
