led, ridden over 1f out, kept on, caught post
in touch, ridden over 1f out, one pace
towards rear, switched right over 1f out, kept on, never able to challenge
in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no impression
tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, kept on to lead post
chased leaders oin 3rd, ridden over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
PELMANISM runs in the blinkers again after seeing some improvement last time out and makes a handicap debut, whilst The Hermitage may be able to challenge despite carrying top weight with Ravenfield and Thinking alternative options. The selection was only a length-and-a-quarter behind a horse rated at 72 when carrying equal weights last time out and with 10 lbs in hand to The Hermitage, Kevin Ryan's gelding could have the perfect opportunity to open his account in this handicap. The Hermitage has not been disgraced with consecutive third place runs at Leicester and this course and although likely to play a part she may still be on the wrong side of the handicapper. Thinking runs off a weight that could see him get competitive but has failed to impress this year and is probably best avoided. Ravenfield has been putting in solid but not dazzling performances so far this year and has minor claims but we side with Pelmanism in a race where the conditions and weights are in his favour.
The Hermitage (IRE) 7-2fav (9-1) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Gap Princess (9-7) at Catterick 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Ravenfield (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Slowly into stride, in touch, ridden and headway 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Mercers Row (9-3) at Beverley 5f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Pelmanism 7-2 (9-0) Led, clear halfway, ridden over 1f out, tired inside final furlong, headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Kielder (9-0) at Pontefract 6f mdn auc stks (5) gf in Jun.
Regal Emperor (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, under pressure over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 32l behind Bonheurs Art (8-12) at Ripon 6f 3yo mdn (5) gf in May.
Ruler's Honour (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Mid-division, lost place over 3f out, effort when not clear run well over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no impression, 5th of 8, 4l behind Thrust Control (8-11) at Ayr 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Thinking 8-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 8l behind Commanche Raider (9-7) at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Reach For The Sky (IRE) 33-1 (8-3) In rear, hung left when ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 11l behind Monte Mayor One (8-13) at Ayr 6f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gd.