led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, hung left and one pace inside final furlong, almost snatched 2nd post, no chance with winner
very awkwardly away, always behind
prominent, every chance when hung left from 2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, just held on for 2nd, no chance with winner
keen, soon tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden halfway, soon behind
very keen to post, early reminders and soon chasing leaders, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, stayed on, driven out
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened 2f out
Essential showed potential in both starts on Polytrack in the spring but has a long absence to overcome and his ability to act on the ground has to be taken on trust. VAN VELDE started off with a decent run at Newcastle before taking on the more-experienced Equiano Springs at Beverley where he couldn't match strides with the winner. He should be suited by this easier surface and gets the nod as Gunmaker was well beaten in a poor maiden handicap at Yarmouth last time. The remainder will need some improvement if they are to make any impression.
Mighty Bond 14-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, driven over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace, weakened inside final furlong, 17th of 18, 13 1/2l behind State Residence (9-0) at Redcar 6f hcp (6) gf in Aug.
Subotal (IRE) 250-1 (10-0) Dwelt, mid-division, lost place over 3f out, last of 11, 28 1/2l behind Everything For You (9-0) at Redcar 1m mdn stks (5) gd in Apr.
Essential 3-1 (9-1) Pressed winner until ridden and outpaced over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Ashwaq (8-10) at Kempton 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Mar.
Gunmaker (IRE) 13-2 (9-10) In rear, headway entering final 2f, ridden and kept on one pace, 4th of 10, 2 3/4l behind Deciding Vote (9-0) at Yarmouth 6f mdn hcp (6) gs in Aug.
Hamriyah 11-1 (8-11) Dwelt, held up in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 18l behind Fleetfoot Jack (9-2) at Hamilton 1m hcp (6) sft in Aug.
Van Velde (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Chased leaders, 2nd over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, never going pace to challenge, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Equiano Springs (9-5) at Beverley 7f mdn stks (4) gf in Sep.
Kylla 100-1 (8-10) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, hung left under pressure over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 7l behind Hot Hannah (9-7) at Ayr 5f hcp (6) gs in Jul.
Spring Beauty 25-1 (9-0) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 10 1/2l behind Bassmah (9-0) at Redcar 7f mdn stks (5) gs in Aug.