chased leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
behind, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on well towards finish
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, never on terms
mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well final furlong
always behind
held up in touch, smooth headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders and hung right, stayed on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
held up in mid-division, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway over 3f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well
led, clear halfway, headed inside final furlong, no extra
tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon weakened
Optimus is fancied to win here ahead of Coup d'Etat and Rebellious Spirit. Brendan Powell's runner steps back up from claimers to handicaps again here having recorded an easy success at Sandown last month. The stable are not in great form, and their runners continue to make the frame without winning, however the horse comes here in good form and should run his race on ground that suits. Scamperdale is consistent on the turf and all-weather but doesn't win too often, whilst Barons Spy has winning course form and should appreciate this return to a faster surface. Rebellious Spirit drops in class and Peter Hiatt's charge should be capable of running a good race, especially as he is sliding down the weights. Coup d'Etat and Motafarred are consistent, and whilst The Gaikwar could go well at a price if on his best behaviour, we will return to Optimus as the selection.
Rebellious Spirit 33-1 (9-5) With leader, every chance over 1f out, not quicken and weakened quickly final furlong, 11th of 13, 6l behind Evident Pride (9-4) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
Waterline Twenty (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Behind, headway over 1f out, kept on, 7th of 12, 5l behind Robema (9-4) at Chester 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Barons Spy (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Held up, ridden over 2f out, soon behind, last of 5, 23l behind Guilded Warrior (9-10) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jul.
Scamperdale 11-2 (9-12) Held up, not clear run briefly over 2f out, pushed along over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 13, 2l behind dhtrs Grand Vizier (9-0) & Hoh Wotanite (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jul.
Optimus (USA) 4-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, shaken up to lead over 1f out, soon clear, readily, won at Sandown 1m clm (5) gd in Jul beating Smart Cat (9-2) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Coup d'Etat 9-2 (9-8) Raced keen, held up, ridden, headway 2f out, soon led, hung left, headed, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Resplendent Nova (10-0) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Jul.
Speagle (IRE) 66-1 (9-8) Chased leader until 8f out, remained prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 18l behind Snowed Under (9-9) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
The Gaikwar (IRE) 13-2 (10-9) In touch and keen, ridden over 2f out to chase leaders, one pace, 5th of 13, 5l behind Foolish Groom (9-6) at Chepstow 1m ldy rds hcp (5) gf.
Colinca's Lad (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on until weakened final furlong, 6th of 14, 4l behind Le Chiffre (9-9) at Kempton 1m app hcp (5) pol.
Motafarred (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-9) Towards rear, outpaced when not much room over 1f out, switched right, kept on final furlong, 4th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Pay Time (8-10) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Red Rudy 11-2jt-fav (11-5) Dwelt, always towards rear, 9th of 13, 18l behind Mythical Charm (10-4) at Goodwood 1m amt hcp 0-80 (6) sft in Jul.
A One (IRE) 66-1 (9-12) Led at strong pace, headed 6f out, ridden along over 4f out, weakened 3f out, 11th of 16, 31l behind Wait For The Will (11-2) at Windsor 1m 4f amt hcp 0-80 (5) gf.
