tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden to clear over 1f out, comfortably
led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on, not pace to challenge
keen, tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in rear, headway to track leaders 4f out, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, soon no impression
held up, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, kept on final furlong
always in rear, ridden and weakened 3f out
dwelt, headway to mid division, 7f out, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Despite going up another 10lbs for his most recent success at Wolverhampton earlier this month, VALID POINT may still be ahead of the handicapper and Sir Mark Prescott's gelding is taken to complete the four timer, getting the vote ahead of Regal Lyric and Shifting Gold. Kevin Ryan's gelding won well at Newcastle on soft ground earlier this month and a 5lb rise for that effort is perfectly fair so he has to be strongly considered. Richard Fahey's Acquavella is less exposed than her opponents after just four starts but she does not seem to be particularly well treated for her first start in a handicap and of more interest may be My Girl Jode. The Mark Tompkins-trained filly has shown improved form of late but another 2lb rise following her latest effort when second at Doncaster looks harsh. Tom Tate's Regal Lyric has dropped to a decent mark, goes on the ground and he cannot be discounted but Valid Point can do little wrong at present and can win again.
Valid Point (IRE) 8-11fav (9-1) Tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden clear over 2f out, stayed on well, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol beating King's Icon (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Acquavella 8-1 (8-12) Broke well, soon held up in touch, pushed along over 5f out, ridden and weakened well over 1f out, 5th of 6, 7l behind Heritage Coast (9-6) at Chester 1m 2f fll mdn stks (5) gf in Aug.
Bow To No One (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 4th of 7, 12l behind Off Chance (9-7) at Newcastle 1m 3yo fll hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Aug.
My Girl Jode 10-11fav (8-7) Held up in touch, headway to chase winner 2f out, kept on, always held, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Amazing Blue Sky (9-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jul.
Regal Lyric (IRE) 10-3fav (8-7) Held up in rear, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 7l behind Wee Charlie Castle (10-0) at Beverley 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fm in Aug.
Carter 20-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, ridden and some headway over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 5th of 12, 18l behind Valid Point (8-2) at Ayr 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Aug.
Real Desire 33-1 (8-4) Led 2f out, tracked leaders, ridden and lost place over 2f out, weakened 1f out, last of 8, 26l behind Upton Seas (9-6) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug.
Black River Falls (USA) 10-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden 2f out, no impression, 10th of 12, 8l behind Largem (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (0-55) (6) pol.
Shifting Gold (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Soon led, headed over 2f out, rallied and led again inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Shekan Star (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.