tracked leader, pushed along 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, held when eased inside final furlong
close up, led 4f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
in touch in rear, pushed along over 3f out, never on terms
in touch, outpaced 4f out, soon behind
East Yorkshire handler William Bethell has taken over from daughter Harriet, who trained VALKENBURG to win a Pontefract handicap in April. The four-year-old has been running in better company than this subsequently and may just have the edge over Gemini. John Quinn's charge completed a double for Charles Hills at this time a year ago but hasn't shown much improvement since changing yards. Bold Statement has only beaten one horse home in his last four starts so Demophon, who is 0-26, may prove best of the remainder.
Valkenburg 10-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 7 3/4l behind Forewarning (9-6) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Gemini 16-1 (9-6) In touch, pushed along 5f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 17 3/4l behind Forewarning (9-6) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Bold Statement (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Always towards rear of mid-division, never a factor, 8th of 9, 20 1/4l behind Sulafaat (10-4) at Ripon 1m 3f hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Royal Liberty 50-1 (9-2) Steadied in rear, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 10 3/4l behind Ezanak (9-7) at Beverley 1m 4f hcp (6) gs in Aug.
Demophon 12-1 (8-13) Led, headed halfway, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 6th of 11, 22 3/4l behind Arty Campbell (10-7) at Chepstow 2m 2f hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Fast And Friendly (IRE) 200-1 (9-6) In rear, never on terms, 10th of 11, 21 3/4l behind First Flight (9-6) at Redcar 1m 2f stks (5) gd in Jul.