tracked leaders, always travelling well, ridden over 1f out, found nothing
keen, held up towards rear, headway and switched right approaching 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
dwelt, held up in rear, headway 2f out, soon pressed winner, ran on, unable to quicken towards finish
close up, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead briefly over 1f out, kept on same pace
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in rear, weakened halfway
in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out, eased over 2f out
close up, ridden and every chance approaching 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
ANCIENT CROSS is taken to defy his six pound penalty at the expense of Mudhish and Hobson. The selection won a handicap at Musselburgh on his latest outing and looks favourably treated on his return to the track. Connections were keen to take advantage of a six pound penalty rather than wait to be reassessed and for that reason he is worth staying on the right side of for the time being. Mudhish has suffered in the past of a bout of seconditus. He has finished second on four occasions this summer and was only narrowly beaten at Yarmouth last time out. Conditions will suit once more and other bold bid can be expected. Hobson is another that often finds one too good on the day and that may well be the case once more. Ancient Cross is the form horse in the race and takes preference.
Mudhish (IRE) 13-2 (9-7) Took keen hold, soon pressing leader, challenged on bit 2f out, soon led and going well, ridden and headed near finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Registrar (8-8) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.
Hobson 9-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, led approaching 2f out, ridden and headed approaching final 1f, weakened well inside final furlong, 5th of 19, 4l behind King's Colour (9-5) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug.
Ancient Cross 2-1fav (9-6) Held up in rear, headway towards inside when not clear run over 2f out, led entering final furlong, soon clear, won at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd beating No Grouse (9-1) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Jilly Why (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Behind, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 11, 7l behind Tagula Breeze (9-2) at Thirsk 5f all hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug.
Witchry 12-1 (8-3) In touch, raced keenly, ridden over 1f out, stayed on one pace, 7th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Sarah's Art (8-7) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Aug.
Sion Hill (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Led, raced keenly, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out, 9th of 13, 11l behind Ela Gorrie Mou (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Aug.
Charlie Delta 15-2 (8-12) With leaders, led 4f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 13, 6l behind Seasonal Cross (9-7) at Bath 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fm.
Polar Gold (9-2) 12th of 13, 5l behind Apaa (8-2) at La Zarzuela(SPA) 5f hcp hvy in Nov '06.
Viking Awake (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 11th of 15, 12l behind Cadeaux Fax (8-12) at Chepstow 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Aug.
Rockson (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened quickly, tailed off, 12th of 13, 42l behind Jonnie Skull (8-12) at Kempton 7f stks 0-55 (6) pol in Aug.
Dancing Welcome 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, every chance 2f out, hung left over 1f out, stayed on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Lordship (9-3) at Chepstow 7f app hcp 0-60 (6) gs.
Royal Adelaide (IRE) 100-1 (8-12) Hung left most of way, always rear division, 7th of 9, 21l behind Arrivederla (8-12) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in May.
