made all, hit 5 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well flat
in rear, headway approaching 8th, chased leaders approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened from 2 out
went 2nd 5 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
ridden after 9th, hit 5 out and next, soon weakened
held up towards rear, blundered badly 7th, pulled up soon after
held up in rear, mistake and badly hampered 7th, soon no impression
chased winner, in 2nd when fell 8th
With Sleight Of Hand facing a difficult task from 6lbs out of the weights proper this really should be between the other six runners. Of the others, topweight Mulkev Prince seems to be on the downgrade, as does Prairie Minstrel. Deliceo recorded a rare success when winning at Hereford earlier this month and may find things tougher off his new mark, while there was no sign of encouragement from Harcamone on his recent reappearance. Taking has claims on the form shown when beating Dragon King at Southwell in July and has his favoured fast ground but two disappointing efforts since temper enthusiasm. That leaves Ultimate Gold, who is probably better than he showed when pulled up at Towcester in May and, with the Kim Bailey yard in such good form, he gets the speculative TEAMtalk vote.
