outpaced and detached
pushed along in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace, never nearer
tracked leaders, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 3f out, no impression
raced wide, mid-division, ridden halfway, some headway under pressure over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind and outpaced
made all, ridden 2f out, ran on, unchallenged
raced wide, close up, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
tracked winner until ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
close up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, headway to track leaders halfway, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
Plenty in the field know what it takes to win and with no fewer than five course and distance winners contesting this race it is a tricky race to call but we turn our attention to two players who have yet to win here; THE CONFESSOR and Seek The Fair Land. This is a tougher test for The Confessor, but he is seeking a hat-trick and still looks capable of further progression after winning his handicap debut. He also looks well placed in the weights so he receives the tentative shout. Seek The Fair Land has been in fair form of late and he could end up in the frame. Trans Sonic prefers the all-weather particularly here considering he has won his last four outings at the course. He could be a big threat to our selection along with Harlech Castle who can be forgiven for a poor run at York latest.
Harlech Castle 9-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, under pressure before halfway, eased well over 1f out, last of 14, 37l behind Hotham (9-6) at York 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jul.
Academy Blues (USA) 6-1 (9-8) Mid-division on outside, chased leaders 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, no impression, 5th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Kyllachy Star (9-7) at Chester 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gs.
Seek The Fair Land 7-1 (9-4) Dwelt, soon prominent, hard ridden to challenge well over 1f out, soon every chance, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 1 3/4l behind Spirit Of Sharjah (9-4) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Apr.
Trans Sonic 16-1 (8-2) Chased leader, every chance 2f out, soon ridden, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 10, 7l behind Ezdeyaad (8-10) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Elusive Fame (USA) 33-1 (9-4) Dwelt and slightly hampered start, behind, modest late headway, 9th of 13, 15l behind Amenable (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Esprit de Midas 16-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, headway and hung left over 2f out, stayed on strongly to 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Silver Rime (9-6) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Jul.
Leviathan (8-11) 98th of 8, 32l behind No Risk At All (8-11) at Saint-cloud(FR) 1m stk hvy in Nov.
Deadly Secret (USA) 20-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway soon after, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 5l behind Skyfire (8-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Jul.
The Confessor 4-1 (8-13) Led, headed narrowly over 3f out, ridden 2f out, rallied inside final furlong to lead again final 75 yards, kept on, won at Salisbury 7f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul beating Oil Strike (9-7) by hd, 7 ran.
Realt Na Mara (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, soon challenged, stayed on under pressure, won at Lingfield 7f ladies am hcap 0-75 (5) gf in May beating Hazzard County (10-5) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Bel Cantor 25-1 (9-0) In touch on outside, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 13, 13l behind Amenable (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Vegas Palace (IRE) 9-1 (9-9) Reared start, took keen hold and soon chased leader, lost 2nd 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened quickly soon after, tailed off and eased, last of 6, 31l behind Croeso Cusan (9-0) at Chepstow 1m flls hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Fantasy Gladiator 4-1fav (8-13) Started slowly, behind, headway on inside and hung left over 2f out, driven and stayed on to 3rd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Amenable (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
