held up in touch, driven over 2f out, ran on final furlong to lead close home
towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, driven over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, headed close home
prominent to halfway
mid-division, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway when switched right over 1f out, ran on final furlong
held up in touch, headway 3f out, effort 2f out, no impression
towards rear, headway 2f out, one pace final furlong
switched left at start, held up, never better than mid-division
dwelt, soon prominent, ridden when weakening over 1f out
towards rear, effort over 3f out, no impression
prominent, driven over 2f out, one pace, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, headway on inner over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
always in rear division
took keen hold in mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
Confide, Sake and The Bonus King are the three for the shortlist in this handicap and the vote is given to Confide. The selection has put in a couple of creditable efforts already in handicap company and he was a good third from a wide draw behind Bollin Edward at Thirsk last time. That was his first run for 290 days and with this slight step-up in trip in his favour he is taken to get his head in front tonight. Sake will go on the ground and he did win well last time out, but the extra furlong and a penalty could find him out this evening. The Bonus King won the Woodcote Stakes in his prime but his strike-rate more recently does not inspire confidence. He did manage a rare win at Wolverhampton last month but he was well beaten at Beverely last time and we are happy to take him on. Etoile Russe landed a touch when winning under an enterprising ride at Wetherby last month over hurdles, so he is certainly worth a look in the market on his return to the level. However, for the winner we will stick with Confide.
My Obsession (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 12th of 18, 8l behind Dispol Isle (8-7) at Redcar 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Apr.
Sake (IRE) 25-1 (8-4) Made all, clear over 1f out, kept on, won at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs beating Grey Boy (8-13) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
The Bonus King 6-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, effort over 2f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 6l behind Bridgewater Boys (8-10) at Beverley 1m hcap (5) gs.
Etoile Russe (IRE) 17-2 (8-4) Prominent, ridden and edged right over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Noble Future (9-3) at Beverley 1m 3yo hcp (5) gd in Sept.
Azreme 16-1 (8-12) Mid-division, effort and headway over 2f out, chased winner in vain final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Indian Edge (8-8) at Chepstow 1m hcap (6) sft.
Young Mr Grace (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Always behind, 9th of 13, 12l behind Sake (8-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Qualitair Wings 9-2 (8-11) Towards rear, ridden and headway to chase leaders over 3f out, one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Ulysees (9-0) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcap (5) gf.
Confide (IRE) 6-1 (9-12) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Bollin Edward (9-12) at Thirsk 7f hcap (6) gd.
