held up mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard, held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, soon every chance, stayed on well towards finish
slowly into stride, behind, some late headway, never nearer
tracked leaders, headed over 2f out, strongly challenged throughout final furlong, headed and no extra towards finish
towards rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders, pulled hard early, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
dwelt, held up in rear, never dangerous
behind, headway over 2f out, hard ridden and soon every chance, stayed on strongly well inside final furlong, just failed
held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon every chance, kept on same pace
soon led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer
always prominent, switched right and effort over 1f out, hard ridden and ran on to lead close home
There are plenty in with chances in this handicap and the vote goes to ALMUKTAHEM over the likes of Watergate and Fastnet Storm. The selection lost no caste in defeat when just losing out in a tight finish at Sandown in a race won by Amazing Blue Sky. This track should suit and he is clearly capable of going close off his current mark. Watergate is stepped up in trip which is very interesting given that he hails from the Sir Mark Prescott yard. The stable are in terrific form and a big run is expected. Fastnet Storm is well drawn for one that likes to make the running and if he is given an easy lead then he could be difficult to peg back. Sandor is having only his fifth start on the turf and he has looked progressive this season so it would be no surprise to see him go well. We will stick with Almuktahem as the pick.
Sandor 20-1 (8-10) Close up, hard ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace to threaten leaders, 5th of 16, 3l behind Roman Republic (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jul.
Norwegian Dancer (UAE) 33-1 (8-10) Never going well, always in rear, tailed off, last of 14, 46l behind Classic Vintage (8-13) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Jul.
Watergate (IRE) 25-1 (9-7) Steadied start, held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong under strong pressure, never going pace of leaders, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Invisible Man (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.
Fastnet Storm (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Led after 1f, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, soon weakened, last of 16, 21l behind Roman Republic (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jul.
Takaatuf (IRE) 20-1 (8-5) Mid-division, pushed along 4f out, weakened 3f out, 15th of 16, 19l behind Roman Republic (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jul.
Almuktahem 11-4fav (9-2) Led early, tracked winner, ridden to challenge entering final furlong, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind Amazing Blue Sky (8-6) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Union Island (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Chased leader, pushed along over 3f out, challenged over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 5, 5l behind Honimiere (9-0) at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Clerk's Choice (IRE) 9-1 (8-2) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 12th of 14, 10l behind Firebet (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Jul.
Goliaths Boy (IRE) 10-3fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Harriet's Girl (8-11) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Decision 11-4fav (9-3) Led, ridden and edged left over 1f out, soon headed, hung left inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Galilean Moon (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 4f 3yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Sam Sharp (USA) 12-1 (9-4) Raced wide in mid-division, came wide into straight, soon ridden, no real progress from 2f out, 7th of 12, 6l behind Musleh (9-3) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Embsay Crag 14-1 (8-11) Led, headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Excelsior Academy (8-10) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
