led, ridden and headed narrowly over 1f out, driven to lead again inside final furlong, edged right and headed post
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace
tracked leader, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, driven to lead again post
in touch, ridden and headway 2f out, led briefly inside final furlong, bumped and not quicken near finish
close up, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened over 1f out
dwelt, in touch in rear, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out, soon eased
close up, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace
The ground dried out at Newcastle when FIELDGUNNER KIRKUP last ran and spoiled his chance. But it's likely David Barron's charge will get his preferred going on this occasion and he can take advantage having won off an 8lb higher mark at Redcar last year. Sophisticated Heir has joined a new yard and has claims on his success for Jim Bolger at Leopardstown in March while though Sam Spade has yet to win on Turf, he can be given a shout on his latest success at Southwell. Kyllachy Star and Ostralegus have both won on Polytrack this year but neither look particularly well handicapped on recent form so the unreliable Illustrious Prince is preferred.
Fieldgunner Kirkup (GER) 10-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, stayed on final furlong, no impression, 6th of 10, 7l behind King Torus (9-1) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in May.
Illustrious Prince (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Always behind, last of 12, 10l behind Front Page News (9-0) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Sophisticated Heir (IRE) 5-2fav (9-12) Mid-division, 9th halfway, ridden and no impression early straight,, kept on one pace, 9th of 16, 13l behind Conan's Rock (8-12) at Leopardstown 1m hcp 47-75 hvy in Apr.
My Son Max 5-1 (9-1) Slowly away, raced wide in rear, effort 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Harry Bosch (9-7) at Bath 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gd in May.
Sam Spade (IRE) 7-2fav (9-5) Close up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in May beating General Tufto (8-6) by 2 1/4l, 12 ran.
Kyllachy Star 7-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace, 6th of 12, 4l behind Ted's Brother (9-0) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gs in May.
Ostralegus 4-1 (8-12) With leaders, led narrowly halfway, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 5l behind Pettochside (9-4) at Chepstow 6f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in May.