chased winner until halfway, soon driven in 3rd, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, held up behind leaders, ridden along halfway, soon beaten
chased leading duo, went 2nd halfway, ridden and no impression over 1f out
made all, clear 3f out, driven over 1f out, kept on well and in control final furlong, unchallenged
close up on inside, niggled along before halfway, driven to 3rd over 2f out, no impresion over 1f out
soon outpaced, lost touch and struggling 4f out
OPUS DEI was turned over by a rival rated just 55 at Wolverhampton, finishing just half a length in front of the third who was rated 57. Therefore, it's impossible to get carried away with the chances of David Nicholls' runner who has upwards of 7lb in hand of his rivals on the figures as he makes his debut at this track although he is given another chance to gain that elusive success. Adam De Beaulieu has made the frame on his two most recent runs at the track but has to prove his stamina for this test as does Turning Circle who also has plenty of form at this venue to his name. Mighty Aphrodite has plenty to prove on recent form but cheekpieces may assist and her trainer's bright start to her career has included winners at fancy prices.
Northumberland 100-1 (9-0) Mid-division, struggling over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no threat, 6th of 13, 7l behind Senate Majority (9-3) at Southwell 6f mdn stks (5) fbs.
Towthorpe 6-1 (10-9) Took keen hold, soon switched left and in touch, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 13, 14l behind Green Poppy (9-13) at Redcar 6f am mdn hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Jun.
Turning Circle 14-1 (8-8) Behind, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 9th of 15, 10l behind Averoo (8-4) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May.
Adam De Beaulieu (USA) 7-2 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just held near finish, 3rd of 12, hd behind Final Salute (8-8) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Opus Dei 1-2fav (9-3) Always prominent, hard ridden 2f out, stayed on towards finish, not able to reach winner, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Hidden Destiny (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn stks (5) pol.
Mighty Aphrodite 9-1 (8-12) Chased leaders on outside, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden, weakened 1f out, 8th of 10, 14l behind Boy The Bell (8-10) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn auc stks (6) pol.