mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
tracked leaders, led 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
started slowly, soon chasing leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, clear inside final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon behind
slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
led, headed 3f out, effort when weakening over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, never a factor
towards rear, pushed along halfway, some late headway, never near to challenge
in touch, driven halfway, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
mid-division, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Topton looks to be really well-handicapped at present on the all-weather and he should be capable of getting the better of Sarraaf and Abstract Folly in this competitive opener. The selection won well last time out when beating Hoh Bleu Dee at Wolverhampton and as he won with a bit in hand that day it will be a surprise if he is not able to get his head in front again today. Sarraaf rates the main danger as he won well last time when beating I wish over 7f at Wolverhampton. The return to a mile will suit but he does have a 6lbs penalty for that recent success and for that reason we will take him on. Abstract Folly is another with claims as he was a good second behind Burhaan last time out, and the first two home that day had gone well clear of the rest of the field. He has won over today's trip but he is probably slightly better over further and for that reason we will take him on. Locombe Hill has a good claimer on board and is never one to dismiss lightly, so he could go well at a price but for the winner we will stick with Topton.
Sarraaf (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating I Wish (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Parkview Love (USA) 9-1 (9-1) Always behind, 12th of 14, 8l behind Vienna's Boy (9-3) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Abstract Folly (IRE) 17-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Burhaan (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Ruman (IRE) 9-2fav (8-11) Led far side, ridden over 2f out, gradually weakened from over 1f out, 9th of 14, 7l behind Flying Edge (9-0) at Hamilton 6f hcp (6) gs in Jun.
Topton (IRE) 13-2 (8-10) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon hung left, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol beating Hoh Bleu Dee (8-11) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Yashin (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, soon prominent, ridden and close up 2f, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 15, 7l behind Sforzando (9-3) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Locombe Hill (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 11l behind Sarraaf (9-0) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Grumpyintmorning 16-1 (8-6) Always behind, 11th of 14, 6l behind Landucci (9-3) at Brighton 7f hcp (5) gf in May.
