tracked leaders, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon edged right, kept on final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
missed break, behind until ridden and kept on final 2f, never near leaders
raced keenly, held up behind, no impression when not much room and switched left 2f out, never able to challenge
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression
There was plenty to like about the way MOUNTAIN CAT scored last time and he can complete the hat-trick here at the main expense of Kabis Amigos and Shunkawakhan. The selection won with a bit in hand when beating Lady Florence at Brighton earlier in the month and a 6lbs penalty is unlikely to be enough to stop him leading them home again. Kabis Amigos also has a penalty to shoulder for a win last time out and although he was impressive that day at Beverley, he does have a habit of following a good run with a bad one. Shunkawakhan has won two of his last three races and the return to this longer trip should play to his strengths. He has conditions to suit and he should go well. Ruth Carr is in good form so Ninth House could be of interest as he stayed-on in eyecatching fashion behind Kabis Amigos last time and this extra furlong is a plus. Jim Goldie does well with his runners here so course and distance scorer Grand Diamond is respected, but in a race where plenty have chances Mountain Cat is the pick.
Mountain Cat (IRE) Evensfav (9-7) Keen, in touch, led 2f out, ridden and ran on, won at Brighton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd beating Lady Florence (8-4) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Kabis Amigos 9-1 (9-1) Held up behind leaders, headway and switched left over 1f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, ran on, won at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fm beating Carpe Diem (8-6) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Shunkawakhan (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Mid-division, raced keenly, headway well over 1f out, led 1f out, hung left, ran on, won at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov beating Kirkie (8-13) by nk, 11 ran.
Grand Diamond (IRE) 11-2 (8-11) In touch, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong, last of 7, 3l behind Champain Sands (8-4) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fm.
Ninth House (USA) 17-2 (8-2) Slowly into stride and behind, headway on outer over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Kabis Amigos (9-1) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fm.
Bold Indian (IRE) 14-1 (8-0) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Mountain Cat (8-10) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Fern House (IRE) 50-1 (8-3) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 5th of 10, 11l behind Desert Hunter (8-3) at Carlisle 1m app hcp (6) gf.
Sarwin (USA) 6-4fav (10-2) Towards rear, effort over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 21l behind Desert Hunter (8-3) at Carlisle 1m app hcp (6) gf.
Red Skipper (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, no extra entering final furlong, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind San Silvestro (8-10) at Musselburgh 1m 1f sell stks (5) gd.
