tracked leader to over 2f out, gradually weakened
mid-division, headway to dispute lead over 1f out, every chance, no extra and lost 2nd inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
tracked leaders, led 2f out, joined over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, just outpaced by winner
held up in rear, headway from 2f out, effort 1f out, not quite pace to challenge, kept on
held up, ridden over 2f out, no progress, soon outpaced
led until headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no headway, soon weakened
always towards rear and never dangerous from 2f out
in touch, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, swished tail, ridden out
Vineyard seems to handle any ground and can land this handicap at the main expense of Closertobelieving. William Haggas trains Vineyard and two recent wins have come under different circumstances. Whilst he is still to prove that he stays this far on testing ground, he shapes as if it should be no problem and he can complete the hat-trick despite a 4lb rise in the weights. Top Ticket has top-weight and David Simcock's unexposed Alhaarth colt should not be overlooked now dropped in trip, Albarouche has a poor recent run to bounce back from, whilst Filun disappointed last time as well and has a bit to prove before he can be backed. Palmerin drops in class here after a good fourth last time; however he would prefer quicker ground. Closertobelieving ran well last time when tackling older horses and should be considered a threat back amongst his own age group, but whilst Wing Play may snatch a place at a fair price, it is Vineyard who can land the win.
Top Ticket (IRE) 3-1 (9-7) Prominent, pushed along over 4f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 15l behind Sweet Lightning (9-9) at Chester 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Palmerin 12-1 (8-12) In touch, headway 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, soon headed, kept on same pace, 4th of 13, 5l behind Southpaw Lad (8-7) at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Albarouche 14-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 8th of 9, 20l behind Upton Grey (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Closertobelieving 5-2 (8-10) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, staying on when short of room, checked inside final furlong, eased afterwards, 4th of 9, 3l behind Sam Lord (9-7) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jul.
Desert Thistle (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, effort against stands rail to chase leader over 1f out, driven ahead final 100 yards, ran on well, won at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct beating Glittering Prize (8-12) by 1l, 11 ran.
Vineyard 7-4 (8-8) Led for 1f, tracked leader after, led 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, won at Folkestone 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul beating Master Spy (9-7) by 2l, 4 ran.
Filun 9-4jt-fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 12l behind Dramatic Solo (8-7) at Thirsk 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Wing Play (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) Disputed 3rd, went narrow 2nd 2f out until over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 7, 7l behind Dance The Star (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jul.
Kingdom of Fife 11-2 (8-8) Towards rear, dropped to last well over 2f out, struggling after, 6th of 7, 18l behind My Aunt Fanny (9-1) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gs in Jul.
