held up, ridden and no impression over 1f out, never on terms
dwelt in rear, ridden 2f out, never on terms
in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong, led post
close up, switched left 2f out, effort entering final furlong, kept on towards finish
soon led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, fading when edged right inside final furlong
pressed leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, pressed inside final furlong, headed post
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, kept on towards finish
steadied start, in rear, keeping on when not clear run inside final furlong, never near leaders
Starboy started his excellent run with a victory in a Brighton Class 5 and showed how much progress he had made when landing a track and trip handicap at a grade higher. He's up another 5lb for this better event but it will be a surprise if he isn't in contention. Talaaqy lost her maiden tag in a Class 3 handicap at Chelmsford in May and that was only her third run so further progress is very likely. Swiss Knight looked a nice prospect when landing a Haydock novices' event so it was a complete shock when he finished a long way last on a return visit. That obviously wasn't his form and is best ignored. ODE TO AUTUMN has been taking a strong hold and leading for much of the way over a mile in better company. If Frankie can get him to settle, he can make all here. Maksab has also been racing in better company and won here in June so has to go on the short-list.
Ode To Autumn 9-2 (9-11) Led, headed over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra, 4th of 8, 4 1/4l behind Racing Country (9-7) at Ascot 1m hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Vitamin (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Towards rear,ridden over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 7, 4l behind Ripp Orf (9-13) at Newmarket 1m hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Citron Major 5-1 (9-12) Mid-division, outpaced over 2f out, some late headway, never nearer, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Byron's Choice (9-9) at York 7f hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Starboy (IRE) 11-4 (9-7) Led, headed over 5f out, ridden to lead again approaching final furlong when rider dropped rein, ran on, won at Newmarket 7f hcp (4) sft in Jul beating Dance Teacher (9-12) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Maksab (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Raced wide, prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 3 3/4l behind Zap (9-6) at Newmarket 7f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Swiss Knight 1-5fav (9-9) Tracked winner until over 4f out, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 4, 26l behind New Day Dawn (8-11) at Haydock 7f stks (5) gf in Jul.
Etefaaq (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 11 3/4l behind Gabrial The Saint (9-1) at Leicester 6f hcp (3) gs in May.
Highlight Reel (IRE) 6-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, not clear run over 1f out, soon switched left and headway, not clear inside final furlong and switched right, went 3rd towards finish, ran on, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Quick Breath (9-3) at Chelmsford City 7f hcp (4) pol in Jul.
Talaaqy (IRE) 11-4 (9-3) Tracked leading pair on inside, pushed along over 2f out, final furlong, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, 3rd and no impression final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Mesquite (8-10) at Chelmsford City 1m hcp fll (3) pol in May.
