in rear, chased leaders after 2f, reminders over 4f out, tailed off over 3f out
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression
held up towards rear, headway over 7f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on and no impression
led early, chased leader, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace
chased leaders, led over 3f out, clear entering final furlong, eased towards finish
held up behind, effort over 2f out, one pace
held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace and never dangerous
held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression
with leader and pushed along, soon led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
Mark Johnston won this last year and his three-year-old ALEX MY BOY looks the one to beat this time around. He only beat three rivals at Haydock last time but clearly relished the step up in distance and steps down a grade for this. Sirvino may have benefited from a short break and has the past form to figure but Saved By The Bell's winning run came to an end at York and he might be in the handicapper's grip now. Johnny Delta had Love Marmalade and Be Perfect behind when winning over track and trip in April but Dark Ruler will have his stamina to prove and Ex Oriente could reverse running with the latter at Doncaster in the spring.
Thimaar (USA) 25-1 (9-10) Led until ridden well over 1f out, weakened rapidly, 16th of 17, 43l behind Address Unknown (9-0) at Chester 2m 3f hcp (4yo+) (2) gf in May '13.
Lady Kashaan (IRE) 12-1 (9-6) Held up in touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 6l behind Jonny Delta (8-5) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Apr.
Saved By The Bell (IRE) 15-2 (9-4) Held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 4l behind Kings Fete (8-8) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jul.
Dark Ruler (IRE) 3-1fav (8-13) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, headway 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Beacon Lady (8-9) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Apr.
Be Perfect (USA) 12-1 (9-6) Led, quickened clear 4f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 6th of 7, 6l behind Itlaaq (9-3) at York 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jul.
Alex My Boy (IRE) 4-6fav (9-7) Tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden and kept on well inside final furlong, won at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Jul beating Altaayil (9-7) by 4l, 4 ran.
Jonny Delta 11-1 (9-7) Held up in rear, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 16l behind Caledonia (8-2) at Musselburgh 2m hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun.
Love Marmalade (IRE) 10-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden and unable to quicken over 2f out, kept on to press for 2nd near finish, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Corton Lad (10-0) at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.
Ex Oriente (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) Held up in 6th, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, no impression, 5th of 7, 2 3/4l behind Itlaaq (9-3) at York 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jul.
Inniscastle Boy 18-1 (8-1) Towards rear, headway on outer 9f out, mid-division, weakened over 3f out, last of 12, 35l behind Eilean Mor (8-13) at Ayr 1m 5f app hcp (6) gs in Jul.
Sirvino 16-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway far side over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 12, 19l behind Clever Cookie (9-0) at York 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gs in May.
