mid-division, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, hard driven to lead near line
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, soon no extra
chased leaders, ridden halfway, never on terms
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 1f out
always towards rear, never a factor
prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on well final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
EXCELLING may be able to defy topweight although she faces some tough campaigners in Six Diamonds and Six Wives. The speedily bred daughter of Exceed And Excel never really threatened on debut at Nottingham but she pulled 5 lengths clear of the field on the turf course at this track next time to mark herself down as a useful performer. She held her own in Listed company at Newbury next time but faces a more realistic task of winning at this level. Six Diamonds and Six Wives have already clashed and the former held the upper hand over course and distance a fortnight ago but she has a 7lb swing in the weights to cope with. Secret Millionaire ran well enough in a competitive race at Beverley to merit respect whilst Nepotism is heading the right way. Lucky Mellor was only three quarters of a length behind Six Wives off levels last time so has theoretical claims of reversing the form but Excelling may stand out.
Excelling (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) Held up, effort over 2f out, never on terms, 7th of 13, 7l behind Sand Vixen (8-12) at Newbury 5f 2yo lst fll (1) gf in Aug.
Secret Millionaire (IRE) 5-2fav (8-10) Led, headed entering final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 3l behind Duchess Dora (9-4) at Beverley 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) fm in Aug.
Six Diamonds 5-2 (8-7) Tracked leader, led halfway, idled over 1f out, ridden out inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Aug beating Six Wives (8-13) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Six Wives 11-1 (8-6) In touch, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 6l behind Duchess Dora (9-4) at Beverley 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) fm in Aug.
Nepotism 6-5fav (9-3) Raced on stands side rail, made all, ridden final furlong, kept on well, won at Lingfield 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Point To Prove (9-3) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Royal Blade (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Led, headed 2f out, beaten over 1f out, eased, last of 11, 18l behind Mister Hughie (8-10) at Newmarket 5f 2yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Super Duplex 8-1 (8-10) Hung left throughout, soon outpaced, always behind, last of 6, 13l behind Fleeting Echo (8-0) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Lucky Mellor 12-1 (8-9) Led, ridden 1f out, headed when weakening towards finish, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Six Wives (9-0) at Lingfield 5f 2yo hcp (5) pol in Aug.
Dusty Spirit 66-1 (9-0) Reared start, soon chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Secret Millionaire (8-10) at Chepstow 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug.