held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, hung left and led inside final furlong, easily
tracked leader, ridden well over 1f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up and keen, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up, in touch, headway over 3f out, every chance 2f out, soon ridden, hung left and weakened 1f out
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
always towards rear
Stronghold, Specatit and Khames Park have proven form on the ground looks the most likely candidates to fight out the finish. With preference given to Stronghold on this occasion. There should also be more to come from Esquire this season. But he was an excruciating letdown on his reappearance at Redcar and cannot be recommended after such a weak display. He was entitled to have needed the run but the way he dropped out under pressure suggests that he is one to have reservations about and he is for the brave only here. Khames Park started this season with a couple of solid performances and rates as the best value option for each-way players. The drop in trip may help him bounce back from a lack-lustre run from last time out and he is one to keep tabs on in the betting market. Spectait - typically for a Sir Mark Prescott-trained horse - does just enough in his races and could easily be still ahead of the handicapper. He is unbeaten this season and an 11lb rise in the ratings is fair for what he has achieved. However, he faces a stiff test against an improver like Stronghold and may have to settle for a minor role today. The selection is yet to finish out of the frame from any of his starts and, as a previous course and distance winner, this track holds no fears for him. Stronghold also looks versatile regarding his preferred ground and it will take a very good effort from any of the rest to stop him today.
Stronghold 3-1 (9-7) Raced far side, held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, edged left, ran on, won at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (3) gs in Jul beating Benedict (8-12) by 1l, 7 ran.
Esquire 7-4fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 10, 19l behind Takes Tutu (9-0) at Redcar 1m hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Prince Samos (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 7, 12l behind Mineral Star (8-4) at York 7f 3yo hcp (3) gs in May.
Macaulay (IRE) 5-2fav (8-9) Held up in rear, shaken up halfway, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 9, 4l behind Paper Talk (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Kames Park (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Held up and keen, headway over 3f out, ridden and hung left from 2f out, soon weakened and eased, last of 11, 24l behind Come On Jonny (8-4) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Spectait 5-4fav (8-11) Raced wide in touch, ridden along 3f out, switched left inside final 2f, ran on to lead just over 1f out, soon quickened clear, won at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp (4) gs in Jul beating Clara Bow (8-11) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Defi (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 11l behind Torrens (8-6) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Society Music (IRE) 10-3 (9-5) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, hard ridden to lead towards finish, headed close home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Bon Bon (8-11) at Doncaster 1m 3yo fll hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Hansomelle (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Always towards rear, 6th of 8, 11l behind H Harrison (8-12) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Boo 11-10fav (8-8) Tracked leaders in 4th, effort on rails over 1f out, driven and kept on under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 1/2l behind South O'The Border (8-7) at Folkestone 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) frm in Jul.
Night of Joy (IRE) 11-1 (9-5) Took keen hold behind leaders, effort over 2f out, soon behind, last of 8, 21l behind Skidrow (9-0) at Beverley 1m 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jul.
