slowly into stride, towards rear, headway but not much room over 2f out, stayed on strongly under pressure final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, pushed along and headway 2f out, soon ridden and beaten
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway and effort over 1f out, staying on one paced when hampered inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 3f out to 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, stayed on strongly
missed break towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, headway 3f out, soon ridden and effort, one pace when not much room entering final furlong
in touch, headway and effort over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
mid-division, headway when not clear run from over 2f to over 1f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and no impression final 2f
towards rear, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, pushed along when not much room over 2f out, soon switched right and effort, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, weakened 3f out
Royal Melbourne is nominated at big odds to see off Extra Cover and Etching. Julie Camacho's charge does not win often but he has solid course-and-distance form around Gosforth Park and can leave behind some uninspiring form figures. Extra Cover is likely to be favourite after a series of consistent efforts. He did not do a lot wrong at Pontefract on his most recent start but the handicapper still keeps adding more weight. Etching was fifth in that race but that did at least represent her best effort for some time. Ninth placed Invatac Boy was making his first step up to twelve furlongs but this track is probably one he will appreciate. Donna's Double continues to run well during the twilight of his career and can have place claims. The frustrating Come What July looks best of the rest. We will take a speculative punt about Royal Melbourne in a tricky race.
Royal Melbourne (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Started slowly, behind, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 16, 11l behind Kindling (8-13) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp (5) gs in Sept.
Sun King 15-2 (8-8) Dwelt, held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and no impression final 2f, 6th of 8, 12l behind Treculiar (8-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp 0-90 (C) gf in Sept '03.
Intavac Boy 8-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 18, 10l behind Platinum Charmer (8-5) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
Extra Cover (IRE) 9-1 (8-6) Dwelt and behind, headway on outside over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong to go 2nd near finish, 2nd of 18, 2l behind Platinum Charmer (8-5) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
Regency Red (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (9-5) In rear, driven on outer over 2f out, some headway final furlong, no danger, 5th of 13, 12l behind Icannshift (9-7) at Brighton 1m 4f stk (7) gd.
Sovereign State (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway to lead over 1f out, kept on until headed close home, 2nd of 12, hd behind Tojoneski (8-10) at Musselburgh 1m 5f hcp (6) gf in Jul.
The Wizard Mul 20-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, smooth headway and every chance 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Tetragon (9-9) at Hamilton 1m 3f clm (5) gd in Jun.
Turn Of Phrase (IRE) 25-1 (9-11) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 13, 7l behind Bartra Rock (9-12) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp (6) gf in Sept.
