held up, ridden 3f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, headway and every chance entering final furlong, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, headway to challenge 2f out until weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway from over 1f out to lead inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, headway and every chance entering final furlong, kept on one pace
Nevada Desert won this off an 11lb higher mark two years ago and is fancied to turn back the clock with his in-form rider's 5lb claim enhancing his appeal; Regent's Secret and Byron Bay are others that can play their part, while Middlemarch has a little to find with the selection from their encounter here in June but should have conditions to suit if he puts his mind to the task in hand. Middlemarch would never be one to trust implicitly, though, and this one-time inmate of Aidan O'Brien's needs to be at the top of his game to figure. Byron Bay is also capable at this level and, having held his form well this season, he should not be underestimated. Admittedly top weight does make life difficult for Ian Semple's charge and he looks vulnerable on these terms. Regent's Secret takes a drop in grade and, considering his course record, a bold bid can be expected. However, he has also looked as if the handicapper is in charge at present and needs to drop a few pounds in the weights before he can be confidently recommended. Therefore, we go with Nevada Desert who looks to very well treated on the pick of his form. Leeds-born Michael Stainton is the apprentice find of the year and with his assistance in the saddle, Nevada Desert is expected to be a tough nut to crack this afternoon.
Byron Bay 28-1 (8-9) Led, clear to over 3f out, headed well over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 5, 10l behind Momtic (8-9) at York 1m stk (3) gf in Jul.
Regent's Secret (USA) 12-1 (8-10) Behind, ridden when not clear run 1f out, stayed on, not trouble leaders, 6th of 9, 4l behind Audience (9-5) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Startori 14-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, held up, never on terms, 9th of 10, 7l behind Airbuss (8-13) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Speed Dial Harry (IRE) 33-1 (8-5) Chased leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 12l behind Goodbye Mr Bond (9-4) at York 1m 1f hcap (2) gf in Jun.
Freeloader (IRE) 5-1jt-fav (9-1) Tracked leader, challenged 2f out, led well over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Bailieborough (8-9) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Hawkit (USA) 10-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Bolton Hall (8-9) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Middlemarch (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Anduril (8-13) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Nevada Desert (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Prominent, pushed along over 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 10, 7l behind Granston (9-12) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
