held up 3rd and last, chased winner 3f out, ridden 2f out, kept on, always held final furlong
tracked winner, lost place 3f out, soon outpaced, no chance with front pair over 1f out
Nonrunner
There may only be four runners in this nursery but it's still a trappy contest. Richard Hannon and Mark Johnston have sent out the last two winners and the former is doubly represented with Pat Dobbs partnering the more-exposed Spongy, who won over 7f at Leicester in June, and Sean Levey on Sandown maiden winner Chief Whip. Johnston saddles ALEKO, who is a half-brother to useful miler Manassas so is certain to appreciate this first try over the trip. He could be the value, though the extra distance should also suit the improving maiden Midhmaar.
Spongy (IRE) 9-2 (8-12) Towards rear and in touch, pushed along over 3f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 4th of 6, 5l behind Welford (8-12) at Chester 7f stks (2) gd in Jul.
Aleko 4-1fav (9-2) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, every chance 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 8, 5 1/4l behind First Selection (9-7) at Newmarket 7f (2) gf in Jul.
Midhmaar 5-1 (9-5) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2 3/4l behind Hawkbill (9-5) at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Jul.
Chief Whip (USA) 15-2 (9-5) Edged right soon after start, tracked leaders, switched left over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, quickened to lead towards finish, won at Sandown 7f mdn stks (5) gd in Jul beating Cartago (9-5) by 3/4l, 13 ran.