chased leaders, led over 2f out, driven clear inside final furlong, ran on strongly
held up in touch, switched right to challenge over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, never reached winner
led until over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace approaching final furlong
took keen hold tracking leader, under pressure over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Jacob Black made all for an easy victory over a mile at Hamilton then did the same in a better race at Carlisle. He's only 4lb higher and the shorter trip won't be a problem so a hat-trick looks a distinct possibility. However, LITTLE SHAMBLES (NAP) has won twice in his career, both times over today's course and distance, and arrives on the back of a superb effort behind the well-handicapped Bragging at York last week. He can run here from a 2lb lower mark so it's hardly surprising that connections are taking advantage and he's given the verdict. Smart Alec came with a late rattle to catch Slingsby over this track and trip a couple of weeks ago but a 7lb rise in this better race makes things tougher. Spirit Of Alsace has only won over 6f but this trip is no problem and she can get involved in the finish.
Little Shambles 50-1 (8-6) Always prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong but stayed on well to hold on for 2nd, 2nd of 17, 3l behind Bragging (9-4) at York 7f fll hcp (2) gd.
Mr McLaren 6-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 11th of 14, 16l behind Shared Equity (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Jacob Black 7-2 (9-1) Made all, hard ridden when challenged over 1f out, kept on well under pressure, won at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul beating True Pleasure (9-12) by 1l, 6 ran.
Smart Alec (IRE) 11-2 (9-1) Always prominent, went 2nd over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Catterick 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gd beating Slingsby (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Spirit Of Alsace (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Fantasy Justifier (9-6) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Woodland Girl 9-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 7l behind Seal Rock (9-10) at Carlisle 6f hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
