with leader, every chance over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on well to chase winner inside final furlong
tracked leaders, every chance over 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
held up in mid-division, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on strongly
dwelt, mid-division, weakened halfway
led, headed approaching final furlong, weakened
raced alone stand side, no chance
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
mid-division, weakened 2f out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Fullandby gets the nod over stablemates Ice Planet, Gift Horse and Turnkey, while Protector is difficult to weigh up but should not be underestimated. The last named made a pleasing start for Gay Kellaway when he finished a respectable eighth in the Wokingham last weekend. The gelding has held his own in places like Nad Al Sheba, Longchamp and Clairwood, so should have little trouble adapting to the demands of Gosforth Park. It's noteworthy that the headgear has been dispensed with today and this fellow is one to seriously monitor in the betting market. David Nicholls has won this race twice in the six years and is typically well armed again this time around. Turnkey lost his way a touch last season but has shown promise in his last couple of starts - even though he appears to have a bit to find with Ice Planet from their encounter at Redcar eight days ago. Last year's winner, Indian Trail, has to be respected from a 4lb lower mark. But his form has been way below par of late and he needs luck on his side. Gift Horse is due a big run and, with conditions to suit, he cannot confidently be ruled out. However, Ice Planet bounced back in good style last week and may be the best of the Nicholls sextet of contenders. Even so, they may all have play supporting roles if Fullandby runs true to the best of his recent efforts. Tim Etherington's charge has ground conditions to suit and, as his form figures do not do him justice, there is every chance that Fullandby will be sent off at nice price to complete the package.
Gift Horse 12-1 (9-0) Bumped start, soon recovered, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out, 24th of 26, 22l behind Dark Missile (8-6) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gd.
Mecca's Mate 20-1 (9-6) Raced stands side in rear, behind final 2f, 28th of 29, 17l behind Beaver Patrol (8-10) at Newmarket 6f hcap (2) gf in May.
Zomerlust 9-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well final furlong to go 2nd near finish, stayed on, 2nd of 7, hd behind Phluke (8-7) at Catterick 7f hcap (2) gf in May.
Ice Planet 5-1fav (9-9) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, hung right and led over 1f out, driven out final furlong, won at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs beating Turnkey (9-5) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Fullandby (IRE) 17-2 (8-9) Went right start, soon outpaced, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 17, 2l behind Aegean Dancer (8-1) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-105 (2) gd.
Protector (SAF) 50-1 (8-10) Chased far side leaders, hard ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 26, 6l behind Dark Missile (8-6) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gd.
Turnkey 12-1 (9-5) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
King's Gait 11-2 (9-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Mr Wolf 10-1 (10-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 6l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Sunderland Echo (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Slowly into stride, always behind, last of 14, 16l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Damika (IRE) 16-1 (9-8) Dwelt, soon mid-division, driven 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 8l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Dickie Le Davoir 9-1 (9-5) Always outpaced, last of 11, 32l behind Vitznau (8-3) at Epsom 7f 3yo hcp (2) gs.
Masta Plasta (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 3l behind Pivotal's Princess (8-7) at Beverley 5f stk (2) gf in May.
Inter Vision (USA) 11-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Dhaular Dhar (8-10) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Oct.
Indian Trail 16-1 (8-12) Behind far side group, headway to chase leaders 2f out, effort over 1f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong, 13th of 25, 13l behind Binanti (8-7) at Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) gs.
High Curragh 12-1 (9-13) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, one pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Joseph Henry 10-1 (7-11) Held up, headway on inside over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace inside furlong, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Dhaular Dhar (8-12) at Chester 1m hcp 0-100 (2) gd in May.
