tracked leader for 3f, handy 3rd on inside, went 2nd again inside final 2f, ridden and stayed on same pace over 1f out
ran without near fore shoe, tracked leaders on inside, pushed along and unable to quicken 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, stayed on same pace under pressure
tracked leaders, headway on outside into 2nd over 2f out, hung right and led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well, driven out
held up in last pair, switched left to outside 2f out, plugged on into one paced 4th over 1f out
tracked leading pair, 2nd after 3f until ridden over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
steadied start, held up in rear, struggling final 3f, never a factor
led, pushed along over 2f out, headed 2f out, soon lost 2nd, chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
The progressive ALWAYS RESOLUTE (NAP) is 5lb higher for winning over 2m at Chester but can effectively race off a lower mark here if Ben Robinson’s allowance is taken into account. The latter partnered Brian Ellison’s charge to success at Ripon earlier this year. Frederic ended a long losing run with a recent victory over track and trip and can confirm running with Jan Smuts while Roc De Prince was placed over course and distance before winning over 1m5f at Ayr last week. Hillgrove Angel won over 1m4f here last month though never threatened when attempting 2m on his penultimate start.
Always Resolute 2-1fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Chester 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Diamond Joel (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Frederic 10-1 (8-10) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, chasing leaders when not clear run over 2f out, led inside final furlong, soon pressed, held on gamely, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Maoi Chinn Tire (9-0) by shd, 9 ran.
Hillgrove Angel (IRE) 8-1 (9-12) In touch, ridden over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sharjah (9-11) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Jan Smuts (IRE) 15-2 (8-13) Took keen hold towards rear, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, never on terms, 5th of 9, 4 1/4l behind Frederic (8-10) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Arantes 8-1 (9-8) Chased leader, pushed along 3f out, ridden and lost 2nd over 2f out, stayed on same pace in 3rd, 3rd of 6, 6 1/4l behind Eastern Dragon (9-9) at Ayr 1m hcp (5) sft in Jul.
Jonny Delta 7-1 (9-2) Slow to break, held up in rear, ridden and well beaten over 4f out, last of 8, dist behind Ingleby Hollow (9-0) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp (5) sft in Jul.
Roc De Prince 9-2 (9-9) Made virtually all, clear 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Ayr 1m 5f hcp (6) sft in Jul beating Bell Of The Ball (9-1) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
