soon led, ridden over 2f out, driven, kept on final furlong, headed post
held up, headway on inner 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, driven over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post
towards rear, never a factor
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven, kept on same pace final furlong
Elk Trail is worth chancing here. Montiboli and Blindspin are respected as dangers, while Important News is well treated for his handicap debut and is worth keeping tabs on in the betting. Important News steps up in trip to a mile for the first time and, as he shaped with promise at Ayr 11 days ago, he should not be underestimated. Blindspin had a tendency to be fractious at the stalls as a two-year-old but his temperament seems to be a lot calmer these days. He comes here after a short break and rates as a leading contender at this level. Montiboli has been in great form of late and, as he is versatile regarding the ground, he takes the eye as the best alternative to the selection. However, Elk Trail has long threatened to win a race of this nature and he will be very hard to pass if he is allowed his own way up front tonight.
Almoutaz (USA) 16-1 (8-6) Led 8f, soon weakened, last of 6, 11l behind Bronze Cannon (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) gd in May.
Blindspin 12-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 8th of 10, 7l behind Tawaash (9-7) at York 7f 3yo hcp (3) gd in May.
Elk Trail (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Hung right throughout, soon pushed along in rear, headway under pressure approaching final furlong, ran on towards finish, not reach leaders, 3rd of 12, 4l behind House (9-4) at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Montiboli (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Mid-division, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Medici Pearl (9-13) at Catterick 7f fll hcp (5) gs in Jun.
King Fingal (IRE) 11-4 (9-6) Held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 8, 3l behind Ezdeyaad (9-13) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-75 (5) frm in Jun.
Jim Martin 33-1 (8-10) Behind, struggling 3f out, last of 10, 20l behind Summon Up Theblood (9-0) at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Important News 10-1 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, switched final furlong, one pace, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Ninefineirishmen (9-3) at Ayr 7f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
Merrion Tiger (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 13, 6l behind Another Decree (9-3) at Pontefract 6f 3yo mdn (5) gf in May.