led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on under pressure, no impression final 50 yards
tracked leaders on inside, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on to go clear final 50 yards
dwelt, in rear, ridden inside final 2f, never able to challenge
chased leaders on inside, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, ridden inside final 2f, hung left and kept on under pressure to chase leading pair inside final furlong, no impression
went right start, pressed leader, ridden and effort on outside over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, no impression
not much room start, chased leaders, outpaced when rider dropped rein 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
SPANISH ACCLAIM comes with risks attached but is well handicapped and can go in again if he wants to, with Vanilla Rum and Peter Island not to be discounted. Our pick won well over course and distance under this rider last time and incurs a 6lb penalty for that success. He was given an easy time of things in front but battled on well to hold off a late challenge and, crucially, showed less of the bad behaviour that had held him back previously. If repeating that performance both before and during the race, the penalty shouldn't be enough to stop him. A note of caution is advised for those wanting to see a complete replay of that effort though as Spanish Acclaim was able to dominate, a scenario that appears unlikely here with Peter Island in opposition. This likeable seven-year-old loves to bowl along and has managed to win every year since 2005 and there'll be no hiding place with his pace, although it's hard to see him winning as he's never done so off a mark this high. Vanilla Rum ran well behind a smart sort for the grade last time and is of more interest, despite the fact that Henry Candy has suggested we've already seen the best of him. This may prove an uncompetitive event and the handicapper has taken a pound of his back, so with conditions ideal he's the chief threat. Outshine makes her handicap debut after 312 days off the track and needs a market check while dual course and distance winner Barons Spy is now 8lbs below his last win and comes into the reckoning. There are cases to be made for several of these but none make more appeal than Spanish Acclaim.
Peter Island (FR) 25-1 (9-6) Broke well, soon led under stands side rail, clear halfway, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 7l behind Cornus (8-9) at Folkestone 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Arteus 14-1 (9-4) Led at strong pace, 3 lengths ahead 3f out, reduced lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 14, 5l behind All The Nines (9-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun.
Baunagain (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Awkward leaving stalls and steadied start, mainly in rear, weakened over 2f out, last of 11, 11l behind Favourite Girl (9-12) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Memphis Man 16-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 6l behind Hazelrigg (9-0) at Haydock 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Vanilla Rum 10-3 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden and edged left over over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never any chance with easy winner, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Gene Autry (9-6) at Windsor 6f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Spanish Acclaim 16-1 (8-9) Took keen hold, made all, clear halfway, edged right well over 1f out, ridden over 1f out, won at Warwick 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Farmers Wish (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Outshine 7-1 (9-0) Soon held up, pushed along well over 2F out, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 13l behind Decorative (9-0) at Yarmouth 6f 2yo stks (5) gf in Aug.
Barons Spy (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 6l behind Favourite Girl (9-12) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
