chased leaders, hard driven halfway, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, in rear, in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, headed and no extra closing stages
led, headed 1f out, rallied and ran on under pressure to lead close home
tracked leaders, raced keenly, effort well over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked winner, ridden to challenge well over 2f out, soon outpaced
outpaced in rear, headway from over 1f out, ran on, nearest finish
A tight handicap where none of the runners are that well-treated but ORCHID STREET has found a good level of consistency and that might be enough. Barry McHugh is proving very useful for his 3lb claim and with him on board Ann Duffield's runner looks one of the better treated after two solid efforts in this company. Dunmore Boy makes a handicap debut and from this yard needs to be respected but it's hard to make a case for him being light at the weights while Defence Council made a solid handicap bow but will need to improve. A tricky puzzle to solve and the consistency of Orchid Street appeals the most.
Defence Council (IRE) 3-1 (9-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, went 4th 2f out, no impression final furlong, 4th of 6, 6l behind Chiswick Bey (9-7) at Newcastle 6f 2yo hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Orchid Street (USA) 7-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, headway on bit and not much room over 1f out, soon switched left, kept on well final furlong, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Face The Problem (9-4) at Thirsk 5f 2yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
First Class Favour (IRE) 12-1 (8-7) With leaders, led well over 3f out, headed over 2f out, ridden and one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 8l behind Face The Problem (9-4) at Thirsk 5f 2yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Just For Leo (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Took keen hold early, chased leaders, driven along and chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, dropped to 4th final 50 yards, 4th of 8, 5l behind Rosina Grey (9-0) at Chepstow 6f 2yo hcp (5) gd.
Dunmore Boy (IRE) 15-2 (9-2) Prominent, not much room 4f out, tracked leaders after, ridden well over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 8, 5l behind Master Macho (8-4) at Chester 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jul.
Downtown Boy (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Went left start, chased winner, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 5th of 13, 16l behind Silvertrees (9-3) at Haydock 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Jul.