tracked leader, led over 1f out, edged left and held on final furlong
always behind
mid-division, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden 2f out, soon no impression
held up, ridden halfway, behind and eased final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong
behind, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
Cheery Cat is our pick in a competitive contest with No Grouse and Steel City Boy the obvious alternatives. David Barker has two in the race but Cheery Cat has been overdue a win for some time and back to his favoured six furlongs this afternoon, he has solid claims if he can secure a run at a vital stage. Eric Alston's team are in good nick so No Grouse has to be respected. Probably better over seven than six, the handicapper has had little alternative but to put him up for a consistent campaign. Steel City Boy's second to Grazeon Gold Blend at Hamilton reads well. Lethal hung on grimly to post victory in a selling contest over course-and-distance. More is required here. Lucayos has been on a losing run for some time. Angle Of Attack steps up in trip having largely raced over the minimum. Royal Acclaimation does not win too often but has put up some of his better efforts at this circuit. Cheery Cat gets the nod.
Lucayos 7-1 (9-6) Keen, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, hampered and switched right 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 5l behind Whiskey Junction (10-3) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jul.
Sandwith 10-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind First Order (9-1) at Newcastle 5f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Lethal 4-1jt-fav (8-11) Made all, ridden over 2f out, driven out final furlong, won at Catterick 6f sll (6) gf in Jul beating Messiah Garvey (9-6) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Angle of Attack (IRE) 7-2fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 1f out, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Weet A Surprise (9-2) at W'hampton 5f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
No Grouse 8-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Steel Blue (9-0) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Steel City Boy (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders and keen, no extra final furlong, 10th of 14, 8l behind Esoterica (9-3) at York 7f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
Legendary Guest 4-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, hung right and one pace final furlong, 7th of 9, 6l behind Mandalay King (8-2) at Carlisle 5f 3yo hcp (5) frm in Jul.
Royal Acclamation (IRE) 11-1 (8-10) Towards rear, ridden along halfway, never dangerous, 8th of 9, 7l behind Leading Edge (9-3) at Doncaster 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Cheery Cat (USA) 9-2 (9-2) Mid-division on outside, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, 6th of 9, 10l behind Grand Opera (9-12) at Carlisle 7f hcap (5) frm in Jul.
Rainbow Bay 5-1fav (8-12) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 19, 2l behind Johnston's Glory (9-11) at Redcar 6f hcap (6) gf in Jul.
Fitzwarren 66-1 (8-3) Chased leaders to halfway, last of 12, 18l behind Rasaman (9-9) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.