tracked leaders, driven over 2f out, chased clear leader 2f out, soon ridden and one pace, lost 2nd over 1f out, no chance with leading pair
chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace, no chance with leaders
led, clear 2f out, ridden over 1f out, hung right under pressure inside final furlong, headed and no extra final strides
chased leaders, headway when not much room over 2f out, soon ridden, went 2nd over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to close on clear leader inside final furlong, led final strides
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, soon lost place, weakened over 1f out
awkwardly away, in rear, outpaced 3f out, never near leaders
MIDWESTERN can get the better of Vito Volterra and Raleigh Quay in a tight handicap where five of the six have solid claims. Bryan Smart has his runners in decent health and his American-bred gelding did well when fifth on his handicap debut, behind four horses who had all placed on their previous start. With a further furlong to race over here and the prospect of more to come on only his fifth start he's taken to defy a mark of 71 and beat Vito Volterra. The last-named can be forgiven a poor Newcastle run as six furlongs is an inadequate test now and soft ground wouldn't have been ideal; prior to that he was a comfortable course and distance winner and a 6lb rise appears fair on that evidence. Raleigh Quay hasn't yet won away from Musselburgh but that should change soon and he ran well at this meeting last year. The form of his recent third looks strong with the first-two home having arrived in rude health and a big run is expected. Sir Frank Wappat has the best of the draw but ran an abhorrent race last time and therefore has questions to answer, Flag Of Glory fared better on his latest outing but it did seem to confirm that the handicapper has him about right and Ruby Dazzler hasn't done anything to show she can win this, so we'll return to Midwestern.
Sir Frank Wappat 3-1 (9-6) Slightly hampered start, held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 16l behind One Scoop Or Two (8-10) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Raleigh Quay (IRE) 10-1 (9-6) In touch in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Carlitos Spirit (8-9) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jul.
Vito Volterra (IRE) 8-1 (8-3) Led until 4f out, chased leader until weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 21l behind Golden Shaheen (8-11) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Jul.
Midwestern (USA) 22-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, no impression, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Fadhb Ar Bith (9-11) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Flag Of Glory 9-2fav (9-7) Led until ridden and headed 2f out, chased winner, no impression final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Abhar (8-11) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Ruby Dazzler 66-1 (8-11) Took keen hold, with leader, led briefly 2f out, weakening when hung right over 1f out, 7th of 11, 17l behind Nationalism (9-2) at Sandown 1m 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf in Jul.
