mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon chased winner and one pace over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
always towards rear
tracked leaders, lost place halfway, ridden 4f out, headway to chase winner 2f out, soon one pace
led, ridden and headed over 4f out, soon weakened and virtually pulled up
always behind
always towards rear
mid-division, ridden and weakened from over 4f out
prominent, smooth headway to lead over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, kept on well through clear final furlong
Alambic can gain revenge over Sudden Impulse, with Kyle Of Lochalsh, Fiddlers Creek and Mary Gray all worth a mention in an open looking handicap. No less than five of these met over the course-and-distance six days ago, with Sudden Impulse coming out on top to the tune of two-lengths over Alambic, with last year's winner Kyle Of Lochalsh third. Kristiansand and Safe Shot were further behind and that duo look safely held, but at today's weights, Alambic has a sound chance of turning the tables on Sudden Impulse, meeting the filly on no less than 10lb better terms. To be fair, there could be more to come from Sudden Impulse now that she has settled in at her new stable, but Sir Mark Prescott seldom misses an opportunity to exploit a well-handicapped inmate and so will surely be confident in the chance of Alambic. Kyle Of Lochalsh beat Sudden Impulse here at the end of June and is also well treated on that form. Successful in this race 12 months ago, he is not that much higher in the handicap now and should also be involved in the finish. Fiddlers Creek goes well here but has topweight, and Mary Gray has flattered to deceive when fancied in the past. All in all, it is hard to escape the claims of Alambic off his light weight.
Fiddlers Creek (IRE) 14-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Lake Wakatipu (9-13) at Hamilton 1m 5f ldy rds hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Kristiansand 16-1 (9-8) Held up, towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, faded final furlong, 6th of 11, 11l behind Sudden Impulse (8-11) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) gd.
Kyle of Lochalsh 3-1fav (9-12) Held up, towards rear, ridden headway 2f out one pace, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Sudden Impulse (8-11) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) gd.
Danzatrice 25-1 (8-9) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened well over 2f out, 9th of 14, 19l behind Compton Eclaire (8-4) at York 1m 6f app hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Sudden Impulse 6-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden to lead well over 2f out, kept on well, won at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) gd beating Alambic (8-6) by 2l, 11 ran.
Drawn Out (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) Chased leader, ridden over 3f out weakened well over 1f out, 5th of 12, 11l behind Monte Mayor Junior (8-12) at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn hcp (6) fbs in Feb.
Alambic 7-2 (8-6) Track leader, led over 3f out, ridden headed well over 2f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Sudden Impulse (8-11) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) gd.
Mary Gray 9-2jt-fav (11-4) Chased leaders, led 7f out, ridden clear over 3f out, weakened and headed over 1f out, 5th of 12, 21l behind Ostfanni (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m amt hcp (6) gd.