steadied start, held up, smooth headway over 2f out, led on bit over 1f out, hard held
mid-division, took closer order 9f out, ridden and challenging 2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, no chance with winner
held up, headway 5f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
chased leader, led well over 7f out, pushed along 3f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
led, headed well over 7f out, chased leader until 4f out, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
held up in rear, effort on outside over 2f out, soon no impression, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, mid-division, lost place 5f out, rallied over 1f out, stayed on well towards finish
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
Ainama is interesting but his last run showed how this track doesn't suit hold-up horses and so we will side with the front-running KEELUNG. Drawn in stall two, the selection drops in trip today having run very respectably in a valuable Goodwood race last time. He had previously been a winner over this course and distance and should give it a bold bid from the front, with Seb Sanders not a bad deputy for Micky Fenton who sticks with the ride on Dr Sharp. He is also a course and distance winner and should be respected after a break, however he tends to take a while to warm to his task. Mister Arjay is a strong-stayer, as is Squirtle who disappointed last time but it would be unwise to rule her out for local trainer Mark Brisbourne. Hawridge King is very consistent and may hit the places again, however quicker ground would be ideal, whilst Mighty Moon has had a few homes but may not be badly handicapped now and he has a useful claimer aboard. A tough finale, where Ainama will prove popular with Jamie Spencer on board, however it is Keelung who gets the nod.
Ainama (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, went 2nd towards finish, not reach winner, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Dzesmin (9-7) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
Hawridge King 4-1 (9-1) In touch, chased leaders and effort over 2f out, unable to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Rajeh (9-9) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Mighty Moon 9-2fav (9-7) Rear of mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 9th of 20, 36l behind My Valley (9-3) at Galway 2m hcp 0-80 gs in Jul.
Dr Sharp (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Led, quickened 5f out, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 21l behind Winged d'Argent (9-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Jun.
Mister Arjay (USA) 13-2 (9-8) Chased leader, ridden and weakened 2f out, 7th of 8, 14l behind Let It Be (8-12) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Inspirina (IRE) 17-2 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong, 6th of 15, 8l behind Lochiel (8-11) at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Jun.
Squirtle (IRE) 6-1 (9-6) Slowly away, in rear, headway over 6f out, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 14, 10l behind Tagula Blue (9-9) at Warwick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
Thewhirlingdervish (IRE) 5-2 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Let It Be (8-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcap (4) frm in Jul.
Keelung (USA) 18-1 (8-7) Raced keenly in lead and soon well clear, reduced lead halfway, pushed along over 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 18, 11l behind Baddam (9-4) at Goodwood 2m 5f hcp 0-95 (2) gf in Jul.
