prominent, eased 2f out, soon pulled up
in touch, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, effort well over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, outpaced in rear, headay over 1f out, not clear run entering final furlong, never dangerous
made all, pushed clear over 1f out, very easily
midfield, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, faded final furlong
in rear, hung right from halfway, eased well over 1f out
chased leaders, under pressure 2f out, weakened over 1f out
midfield, headway over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, never a threat
held up in rear, headway over 1f out, soon hung left under pressure, never nearer
Ballesteros is looking to end a long losing run and showed signs of a resurgence at Ascot off today's mark. Forest Edge has returned to form and bids for hat-trick after winning at Ffos Las but was a long way behind B FIFTY TWO over track and trip in June. The latter flew home by three lengths on that occasion and is dropped in class after a good effort at York. Pearl Acclaim has also been running well in better company but could have been better drawn, as could the 2012 winner Ballista and recent Ripon runner-up Confessional.
Ballista (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Led, hard driven over 2f out, soon hard pressed, headed inside final furlong, weakened, 4th of 7, 5l behind Intransigent (9-0) at Chester 6f Listed stks (1) gs.
Magical Macey (USA) 18-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 17, 6l behind Demora (8-8) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4yo+) (2) sft in Jun.
Ballesteros 25-1 (9-2) In rear, headway over 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Goldream (9-3) at Ascot 5f hcp 105 (2) gd.
Forest Edge (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, just held on, won at Ffos Las 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gd beating Liberty Jack (8-9) by ns, 11 ran.
B Fifty Two (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Led far side, soon overall leader, headed towards finish, 3rd of 15, 1/2l behind Blaine (9-5) at York 5f hcp 105 (2) gf.
Poole Harbour (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Tropics (9-3) at Windsor 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun '13.
Love Island 14-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden and close up 2f out, lost place over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 13, 13l behind Robot Boy (9-7) at Newcastle 5f hcp 105 (2) gf in Jun.
Pearl Acclaim (IRE) 11-2 (8-11) Chased leaders in 4th, ridden inside final furlong, kept on to take 2nd place towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 2 3/4l behind Noble Storm (9-3) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in May.
Lexi's Hero (IRE) 20-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, outpaced 2f out, ridden and weakened 1f out, 13th of 16, 16l behind Almargo (8-11) at Goodwood 7f hcp (2) gd.
Dungannon 9-2 (8-8) In touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 5l behind Judge 'n Jury (8-4) at Nottingham 5f cond Stakes (3) gd.
Inxile (IRE) 8-1 (9-12) Dwelt, behind stands' side, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no impression, 8th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Silvanus (9-10) at Ripon 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Top Boy 20-1 (8-9) Raced centre, held up in mid-division, pushed along halfway, headway 2f out, soon ridden, plugged on inside final furlong, 5th in group but no chance with leaders near side, 11th of 18, 7l behind Discussiontofollow (8-10) at Ascot 5f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Confessional 20-1 (8-13) Raced far side, tracked leaders, led that group and overall leader entering final furlong, headed closing stages, kept on, 3rd of 19, 3/4l behind Out Do (9-1) at Ripon 6f hcp (2) gd.
