towards rear, headway on outer over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on
took keen hold behind leaders, effort over 2f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden along over 3f out, never reached challenging position
in touch, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
towards rear, headway on outer over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, ridden to challenge and every chance over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
prominent, ridden over 3f out, hung right when weakening over 1f out
mid-division, ridden along over 4f out, soon behind
led and raced wide, headed over 2f out, soon beaten
A very tricky start to the card at Pontefract and Artreju is a sporting option to get the better of Holiday Cocktail and Night Orbit. The last named had a few of these in behind when winning a similar race at Newbury in June, but has struggled to follow up in a higher grade afterwards. However, the gelding is less exposed than the majority and has to merit a second look today. Holiday Cocktail picks up 6lb extra for winning over course and distance 10 days ago; but does seem to be progressing well enough to cope with the penalty. He obviously likes this course and, as he is versatile regarding the ground, the mount of Simon Walker has a solid chance on these terms. Jackie Kiely is another worth a mention, as he is also effective at this stamina-sapping course. A strong gallop will suit him ideally and a big run cannot be discounted. However, Artreju takes the eye as a proven performer at this level and, as his trainer, Gary Moore, is a very rare visitor to this particular West Yorkshire racecourse, it is taken as a significant hint that today's rider, Joshua Moore, can do his bit to make this another profitable family day out for the Sussex-based team.
Fort Churchill (IRE) 11-1 (8-5) Hampered 3f out, always towards rear, 10th of 11, 11l behind Count Ceprano (8-9) at Goodwood 1m 1f app hcp (3) gf.
Holiday Cocktail 7-1 (9-13) Prominent, driven and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Pontefract 1m 2f hcap (5) gf in Jul beating Sceilin (9-4) by 2l, 12 ran.
Littleton Telchar (USA) 25-1 (9-12) Held up, never dangerous, tailed off, last of 14, 24l behind Millfield (10-0) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jul.
Artreju (GER) 8-1 (9-5) Held up 3rd, joined leader 2f out, every chance over 1f out, edged slightly right entering final furlong, no extra, faded towards finish, 4th of 10, 9l behind Wee Charlie Castle (8-7) at Sandown 1m 2f app hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Night Orbit 10-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, led on outside 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace when hampered well inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 5l behind Oldrik (9-4) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Jul.
Jackie Kiely 9-1 (9-10) Mid-division, ridden along and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Holiday Cocktail (9-13) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcap (5) gf in Jul.
Bavarica 7-1 (10-13) In touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Laish Ya Hajar (11-1) at Newmarket 1m 2f amt hcp 0-80 (5) gf in Jul.
Iceman George 9-1 (10-11) Slowly into stride, mainly towards rear, last of 11, 48l behind Laish Ya Hajar (11-1) at Newmarket 1m 2f amt hcp 0-80 (5) gf in Jul.
