led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
tracked leader, effort over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong
pulled hard in rear, ridden over 2f out, no progress
tracked leaders, led 2f out, ridden out
in touch, outpaced over 3f out
held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, soon beaten
Nonrunner
Fossgate gets the nod over Cottingham, while Bright Sun and Airbound are respected as the best of the rest in a tricky handicap. Airbound has shown flashes of ability and, as an expensive purchase, he has to be respected. Mark Johnston is yet to really get to the bottom of this son of Fusaichi Pegasus and his charge needs to improve for this step up in trip. The market will be a good gauge where he is concerned. Bright Sun has plenty of experience to draw from and, having posted a fair effort last time, he can be expected to go close again in this company. However, his task is complicated by being set to carry top weight and he looks vulnerable on these terms. Cottingham has been the model of consistency has made the transition from Banded Stakes to handicaps a successful move in recent times. However, he now has to register a career best effort and needs everything to fall into place for him. Therefore, we prefer the claims of Fossgate, who also arrives here at the top of his game. James Bethel's charge went close over course and distance 18 days ago and can make this a good test for the rest from the same mark.
Bright Sun (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, not quicken, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Gallego (8-4) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) frm.
Leslingtaylor (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Dwelt and soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Hezaam (8-3) at Ripon 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in Jun.
Fossgate 4-1 (8-10) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 3l behind Mount Usher (8-7) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Red Chairman 33-1 (8-9) Held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Active Asset (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Cottingham (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Insubordinate (8-13) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Airbound (USA) 13-2 (9-5) Towards rear, headway over 4f out to lead briefly over 2f out, gradually weakened, 5th of 12, 6l behind Touch of Ivory (8-8) at Hamilton 1m 3yo hcp (5) gd.
George's Flyer (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Held up, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 8l behind Pagan Crest (8-9) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Danceinthevalley (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Prominent, driven over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 15, 9l behind Dium Mac (8-8) at Redcar 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
