in touch, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up mid-division, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders, chased winner over 1f out, kept on, no impression
outpaced towards rear
made all, stayed on well
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on
tracked winner until ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
Nonrunner
NORTHERN EMPIRE is a tentative selection. Kyzer Chief and Select Committee will be dangerous to rule out, while Strensall loves the course at Catterick and arrives here in great heart for another crack at success. Strensall has dropped to a very handy mark and, as he is chasing C&D win number five, it will be interesting to note the interest from the betting public. However, some of that support may be sentimental and, at the age of 12, it's highly unlikely that we are going to witness an improved display. Select Committee was behind the selection at Nottingham 15 days ago, so needs to post a much better effort today. Today's firmer ground will be a big help, though. Kyzer Chief has hit the post on numerous occasions but seems to be enjoying his racing just now. That said he also needs to banish the memory of a modest run last time out and faces a tough day at the office. Therefore, it can pay to turn to Northern Empire, who after a string of near misses; fully deserves a result to go his way. Eddie Ahern has a good book of rides at the North Yorkshire course and can look forward to teaming up with a willing partner for this tough little sprint.
Kyzer Chief 18-1 (8-5) Chased leaders on outer, weakened well over 1f out, 10th of 11, 7l behind Raccoon (8-11) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Northern Empire (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride, in rear, switched right and headway on outside 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong until no extra towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Step It Up (8-12) at Folkestone 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Select Committee 9-2fav (9-1) Steadied and switched right start, held up in rear, not clear run and switched left to outside, over 1f out, no room after, soon eased, not recovered, 9th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Guto (8-8) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Molly Two 16-1 (8-1) Chased leader, pushed along halfway, weakened well over 1f out, 7th of 8, 9l behind Rothesay Dancer (9-6) at Carlisle 5f flls hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Mayoman (IRE) 9-2fav (9-5) Slowly into stride, soon driven to chase leaders, effort over 1f out, stayed on, 4th of 13, 1 3/4l behind Nufoudh (8-13) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Windjammer 25-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, weakened final furlong, 14th of 15, 11l behind Highland Warrior (11-7) at Doncaster 5f am hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jul.
Shining Times (IRE) 18-1 (9-1) Chased leaders 4f, 12th of 15, 15l behind Future Gem (8-12) at Carlisle 6f 3yo hcp 0-55 (6) gs.
Spirit of Coniston 20-1 (8-7) Prominent, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 9l behind Hotham (9-4) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul.
Bees River (IRE) 12-1 (8-8) Always behind, 9th of 10, 7l behind Igoyougo (9-7) at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Gleaming Spirit (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Always in rear, last of 10, 11l behind Blessed Place (8-10) at Thirsk 5f app hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Excitable (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, towards rear, pushed along 3f out, headway under pressure on outside over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 10, 1 3/4l behind Bluebok (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Jul.
Just Joey 20-1 (7-12) Led on rail, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out, 6th of 13, 4l behind Speedy Senorita (9-1) at Beverley 5f fll hcp (5) gd.
Toy Top (USA) 3-1 (9-5) Chased leader, hampered entering final 4f, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside furlong, 10th of 12, 6l behind Andrasta (8-11) at Ayr 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Strensall 25-1 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Silvanus (8-6) at Catterick 5f clm stks (6) gf.
Thoughtsofstardom 18-1 (8-13) Raced stands side, always in rear, 13th of 17, 18l behind Lithaam (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-55 (6) gd.
