held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, stayed on well towards finished, just held
chased leaders, went 2nd 3f out, led over 2f, soon ridden, held on towards finish
slowly away, in rear, effort over 2f out, no impression
held up, one pace from over 2f out
in touch, headway to chase winner over 2f out until over 1f out, one pace
led for 2f, chased clear leader, weakened over 1f out
led after 2f, soon clear, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
Potentiale continues to frustrate backers but it might pay to keep the faith and John Hills' gelding gets the nomination at the main expense of Cheshire Prince. The last-named ran very well in defeat last time out at Chester and if he takes up this engagement then Mark Brisbourne's gelding should be involved, especially as that was a better race than this one. However, Potentiale may well be better suited by the testing finish at Newcastle and if ridden slightly closer to the pace then he should take all the beating. He was given too much to do when last seen but with a jockey change today and this smaller field, he is fancied to win. Toplazeo is unexposed and a mark of 60 for his handicap debut doesn't appear too harsh. Hillside Smoki is of note here, but only because it is some feat to get a horse rated just 20. The Quantum Kid may run into a place or better as the form of his efforts so far appears to be pretty solid indeed, and whilst Chip N Pin would have claims on the pick of his form, we will return to Potentiale to start fulfilling his potential.
Potentiale (IRE) 11-4fav (8-11) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon hung left, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Ainama (8-9) at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Cheshire Prince 9-2 (8-7) Chased leaders, every chance approaching final furlong, not quicken, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Grand Art (9-1) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Topazleo (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Chased leader, one paced final 2f, 6th of 10, 12l behind Getrah (9-3) at Ripon 1m mdn stk (5) hvy in Jul.
Bond Casino 22-1 (8-10) Towards rear and soon pushed along, 12th of 15, 10l behind Cheery Cat (9-2) at Redcar 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Chip N Pin 10-1 (8-0) Held up in touch and keen, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 13l behind Beau Sancy (9-7) at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp (5) hvy in Jul.
Presque Perdre 40-1 (8-4) Dwelt, behind, effort over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 12, 10l behind Dee Jay Wells (9-7) at Beverley 1m 3yo app hcp (6) hvy in Jul.
Hillside Smoki (IRE) 100-1 (8-3) In touch, raced wide after 1f, ridden along 3f out, soon beaten, last of 11, 34l behind Ellies Faith (8-6) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo sll hcp (6) gd in Jul.
The Quantum Kid 22-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and not much room over 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 5th of 7, 6l behind Cushat Law (8-2) at Thirsk 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jul.