held up in touch, driven along 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, smooth progress to lead over 1f out, driven out final furlong
jumped left start and led, headed over 4f out, pushed along halfway, effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
close up and led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace
Takhleed's run at Folkestone was too bad to be true, and so we give him another chance over Arabian Dancer, Dart Along and Gloved Hand. This promises to be quite close looking at the ratings, but the fact that Takhleed can meet Dart Along on two-pound better terms compared to his current mark augurs well for his chance here. Having made virtually all of the running to open his account at Leicester in May, it was a bit disappointing to see him go out like a light at Folkestone next time, on what was his handicap debut. He was always chasing the pace that day though and was not allowed to dominate, and if Richard Hills jumps out quickly here, he should be able to dictate the pace. Arabian Dancer has been placed second on a couple of occasions, and this drop back in trip will help. The fillies' allowance puts her close to the selection, and she makes slightly more appeal than Dart Along, a beaten favourite in an Epsom handicap last time. Gloved Hand will try and take the selection on but has to concede three-pounds, and Banjo Patterson has plenty of scope but has it to do at the weights. Takhleed is the pick.
Gloved Hand 20-1 (9-5) Made all stand side, led overall 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (4) gd beating Bold Haze (8-8) by 3l, 14 ran.
Banjo Patterson 4-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, effort and squeezed through narrow gap approaching final furlong, ran on to lead final 100 yards, won at Windsor 6f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Jun beating Bens Georgie (8-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Dart Along (USA) 3-1fav (9-7) Chased leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Bird Over (9-7) at Epsom 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Takhleed (USA) 11-4fav (9-2) Prominent far side, driven 2f out, found nil under pressure and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 11l behind Go Mo (8-8) at Folkestone 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Arabian Dancer 16-1 (8-10) Raced stand side, tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 20, 8l behind Clinet (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 3yo fll hcp (2) gd.