chased leaders, effort 2f out, ridden and one pace from over 1f out
took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden 2f out and pressed leader, stayed on final furlong to lead towards finish
in rear, headway on outer over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach leaders
close up, ridden to lead inside final 2f, hard pressed afterwards, stayed on, headed towards finish
in touch, effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
steadied start, settled in rear, headway 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance 1f out, no extra towards finish
disputed lead to inside final 2f, weakened 1f out
disputed lead to inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, headway on outer 2f out, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
In the finale, Gold Express is suggested ahead of Bahamian Ballet and Gwilym. The betting will provide your best clues as to the chances of Gold Express, who was well supported ahead of his short head victory from Al Qasi (who has since risen to a mark of 107) on his handicap debut 295 days ago. The handicapper has only raised him four pounds for that effort so he should be able to score from his current rating. Blue Aura is now just a pound above his course and distance win of last season and the first-time cheekpieces might help the cause along today. His track win came in first-time blinkers. Bahamian Ballet is also a course and distance winner and she was not beaten far at Beverley last time from a poor draw so is clearly in good heart, while Xaluna Bay needs to replicate her best all-weather form if she is to get competitive today. Gwilym comes into this race on the back of a good course win over six furlongs. He has been raised five pounds for that but, given that he has run over course and distance in the past from a higher rating than today. He is not ruled out of things, while there is no doubt that Desperate Dan has dropped to a very good mark if ever getting it fully back together and he ran well at Haydock last time. Once again, though, we will side with Gold Express, but keep an eye on the betting.
Blue Aura (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Slight lead to inside final 2f, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 16l behind Roman Maze (9-2) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Bahamian Ballet 16-1 (8-2) In touch, led after 1f, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Namir (8-1) at Beverley 5f hcap (4) gf in May.
Xaluna Bay (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Raced in mid-division until lame and pulled up in race won by Roman Maze (9-2) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr, 14 ran.
Gwilym (GER) 16-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders on outer, ridden to lead, hung right over 2f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, driven out, won at Windsor 6f app hcp (5) gf in Apr beating Marko Jadeo (8-9) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Desperate Dan 10-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Peopleton Brook (9-8) at Haydock 5f app hcp (5) gf in May.
Gold Express 9-1 (8-5) Held up far side, switched to centre over 2f out, driven to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, held on gamely, won at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug beating Al Qasi (9-9) by a shd, 10 ran.
Dancing Mystery 33-1 (9-13) Soon led, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 16th of 17, 15l behind Stamford Blue (9-11) at Salisbury 6f ldy rds hcp (5) gf in May.
Calabaza 16-1 (8-5) Raced stands' side, prominent, every chance over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 10th of 18, 8l behind Brunelleschi (8-5) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May.
