mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on one pace
disputed lead until over 3f out, ridden and led 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on
held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always towards rear
disputed lead, led over 3f out, headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and effort on inside 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong
disputed lead until over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
broke well, tracked leaders, lost place over 3f out, headway over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, never nearer
Fourteen runners line up for what is a decent classified event which could concern recent winners Texas Gold and Compton Banker with the former just getting the verdict. William Muir¿s five-year-old took full advantage of a lenient all-weather mark when comfortably landing a six furlong handicap here at the start of the month, this race looks much less competitive and a follow up win looks on the cards. The only real danger appears to be Compton Banker who bounced back to form with a gutsy victory over Sir Laughalot here two weeks ago, the slight drop in trip should not be a problem and another plus is Dane O¿Neill in the saddle. The old timer Cretan Gift would leave these standing on his best form but at twelve years of age he is now on a downward curve so it is with some confidence that Texas Gold is selected.