held up, went 3rd over 3f out, shaken up to led over 1f out, soon drew clear, eased towards finish
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened
held up in rear, headway 3f out, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out until weakened entering final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, keen, lost place over 3f out
Red Fama, Hits Only Vic and Me Fein are the three against the field here and RED FAMA gets the vote. Neville Bycroft's gelding attempts a four-timer here and has won with plenty to spare at both Beverley (over 12f) and Redcar (two miles) just lately. The handicapper has not missed that however, and has raised the four-year-old 15lb since the most recent victory. Even so, cut suits him and he really does give the impression that he is capable of making the step up again. Hits Only Vic has had a superb season, winning three races and then finishing runner-up in his last three. He is a credit to the skill and placement of Declan Carroll and has been raised again since his last run, but despite needing a career best you could not rule him out. Me Fein has not yet won on turf and will find this heavy ground vastly different to the artificial surfaces he seems to enjoy, so we will oppose until we have proof of his ability to handle the ground. Souffleur is a mudlark who is proven over this trip, though he may need this after a five month absence, Cotton Eyed Joe would probably prefer quicker ground, while Haarth Sovereign is a doubtful stayer, and we'll take Red Fama to score.
Hits Only Vic (USA) 3-1fav (9-6) In rear, headway on outer 4f out, led over 1f out, soon headed, one pace, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Chocolate Caramel (9-1) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.
Turfshuffle (GER) 50-1 (9-13) Behind, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 9th of 11, 25l behind Rose Street (9-10) at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Aug.
Souffleur 5-1fav (9-9) Held up, mid division halfway, ridden over 3f out, kept on well final furlong, just failed, 2nd of 14, shd behind Pass The Port (9-7) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Mar.
Haarth Sovereign (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Towards rear, steady headway from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 6th of 14, 8l behind Muhannak (9-13) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Aug.
Red Fama 9-4fav (9-11) In touch, smooth headway 5f out, led on bit 2f out, stayed on well, won at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Hawk Mountain (9-1) by 6l, 16 ran.
Inspirina (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 12l behind Ainama (10-0) at Chester 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Aug.
Me Fein 13-8fav (9-8) Held up and keen, going well over 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in May beating Hugs Destiny (7-12) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Cotton Eyed Joe (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden along 3f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Aug.
