with leader stand side, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
always behind far side
in touch far side, pushed along halfway, ridden and effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division far side, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened 2f out
chased leaders far side, effort and chance over 2f out, one pace final furlong
made most stand side, ridden 2f out, joined over 1f out, kept on
held up towards rear stand side, headway halfway, effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear far side, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
dwelt, held up in rear far side, headway and effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch far side, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear stand side, headway halfway, effort 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader far side, ridden to lead group over 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
chased leaders stand side, headway halfway, ridden to dispute lead over 1f out, kept on final furlong
led far side, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
missed the break, behind far side, headway halfway, weakened over 1f out
towards rear far side, never dangerous
in touch stand side, ridden and weakened halfway
in touch far side, ridden halfway, no impression final 2f
slowly into stride, soon mid-division far side, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out
Low numbers generally have had the advantage in these big sprint races at Newcastle this year, and with that in mind Mallia just gets the vote in a difficult finale; Playful Dane, Quiet Times and Montez are also on the shortlist. The latter has been slightly disappointing, and was a beaten favourite at Ripon last time, but wears a visor for the first time today and that could make a difference. Quiet Times has been absent for four months but was in good heart earlier in the season and seems sure to go well if fit enough on his return. Playful Dane looks a big danger, as he has a good draw and runs in similar conditions to those he encountered at Redcar when bolting up in a maiden handicap. However, we just side with the consistent Mallia. David Barron's ten-year-old showed he is no back number when scoring for Nicky Mackay at Hamilton the time before last, and with the talented apprentice once again on board and an ideal draw in stall 4, he gets a tentative vote.