tracked leaders, smooth headway, every chance over 1f out, soon ridden, weakened
keen early, raced in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2 out until hampered, switched right inside final furlong, driven, no impression after
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on one pace
always towards rear
led, ridden entering final furlong, headed, no extra inside final furlong
tracked leader, ridden, every chance over 2f out, not clear run entering final furlong, soon driven, no impression
always behind
Grazeon Gold Blend has dropped to what appears a very attractive mark and judging by his second last time, he has solid claims here. It is almost two years since John Quinn's charge has scored but he travelled very well at Pontefract before drifting in the closing stages, a trait which he never displayed before. Westport finished runner-up in an apprentice race last time where a break neck pace was set and played right into the hands of those coming from off the pace. He could well be flattered by that performance although it was a drop in grade and he is consistent. Steel City Boy displayed real battling qualities to land a Warwick event last time for his trainer/rider. Given his rider's limited ability, punters may tend to overlook his chances but remains well handicapped on his best form. Optical Illusion has received a 5lb hike for a course and distance victory last time. The drop back to six furlongs evidently suited him and he is another for the shortlist Grazeon Gold Blend gets the vote.
Westport 5-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, never nearer, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Sahaadi (8-9) at Kempton 6f app hcp (5) pol.
Grazeon Gold Blend 22-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Dickie Le Davoir (9-0) at Pontefract 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
Katie Boo (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) With leaders, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Rothesay Dancer (8-12) at Ayr 6f fll hcp (4) gd.
Opal Noir 9-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 6l behind Invincible Lad (8-8) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Heureux (USA) 14-1 (9-5) Held up behind leaders, headway 2f out, driven and kept on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Yamal (9-3) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-75 (5) frm in Jun.
Bon News (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Slowly into stride, behind, effort over 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 8l behind Slip Star (8-12) at Doncaster 7f fll hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Steel City Boy (IRE) 11-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders, chased leader 3f out, ridden 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Warwick 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft beating Peter Island (9-6) by a hd, 6 ran.
Optical Illusion (USA) 7-2 (9-6) Tracked leaders, led entering final furlong, held on well, won at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd beating Imperial Sword (9-1) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Botham (USA) 7-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 8l behind No Grouse (9-9) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.