reared badly start, always behind
led, pushed along and headed over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, chased winner 2f out and soon every chance, driven and no impression final 1f, weakened and lost 3rd final 100 yards
took keen hold, in touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
raced keenly, chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, held on near finish, all out
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, kept on to take 3rd final 100 yards
awkward start, in touch until weakened approaching 2f out
went left start, reluctant in rear, headway and switched to far rail over 2f out, driven, headway, carried head high and looked reluctant over 1f out, went 2nd final 1f, closed on winner near finish
always behind
always in rear, struggling halfway, tailed off
A number of interesting participants and PONTING is our pick with Kinigi and Freepressionist on the shortlist. Ralph Beckett's charge catches the eye with Seb Sanders aboard and whilst it is clear that he is far from the stable star, he has shaped on the turf as if a small race should be within his compass. Kinigi brings course form into play. He won a claimer at the course in some style but this is a much tougher assignment to graduate into. Freepressionist has shown glimpses of ability at the other all weather surfaces and she clearly seems more suited to artificial going rather than the turf. Dancing Wave is ultra-consistent at this venue though this gives the assessor little room for manouvere. David Barron's sprinters are always worth a look in the market so it would be no surprise to see market support for Fuzzy Cat. Monte Mayor Eagle is a course winner but has a horror draw today. First Blade appeared to show improved form for the application of headgear and he cannot be ruled out if the same trick works twice. Pepin has to bounce back from two disappointing efforts though will be a factor if securing an early lead. Many plausible protagonists in this field and Ponting's presence intrigues enough to make him the selection.
Kinigi (IRE) 33-1 (7-10) Chased leaders, ridden to lead well over 1f out, stayed on under pressure, all out, won at Southwell 6f 3yo clm stks (6) fbs beating Swiss Art (8-7) by hd, 7 ran.
Dancing Wave 5-1 (8-8) Soon driven along to chase leader, every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 4l behind Colorus (9-0) at Windsor 5f app hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Freepressionist 7-1 (9-3) Bumped start, mid-division, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 13, 9l behind Sarasota Sunshine (9-4) at Warwick 6f 3yo fll hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jun.
Ponting (IRE) 10-3 (9-2) Held up, ridden and headway from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Kuanyao (8-10) at Salisbury 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Pepin (IRE) 15-2 (8-6) With leaders, outpaced over 1f out, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Kinigi (7-10) at Southwell 6f 3yo clm stks (6) fbs.
First Blade 20-1 (8-9) Led far side group and overall leader, ridden over 1f out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 14, 1 1/4l behind Bold Ring (8-7) at Nottingham 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Positivity 18-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 14, 12l behind Dark Moment (8-13) at Musselburgh 7f Handicap (0-55) (3yo) (6) gf in Jun.
Monte Mayor Eagle 20-1 (8-7) Held up mid-division, weakened 3f out, 10th of 15, 22l behind Shared Moment (8-4) at Nottingham 1m 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gf.
Fuzzy Cat 16-1 (8-4) Tracked leader, weakened over 1f out, last of 5, 8l behind Aldaado (9-6) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Bold Account (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 10th of 16, 7l behind Bright Falcon (9-2) at Ripon 6f app sell stks (6) gd in Jun.
Merry May 33-1 (8-1) Raced wide, in touch until weakened over 2f out, last of 11, 20l behind Highland River (9-2) at Kempton 1m 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
