led for 2f, tracked leader, pushed along over 4f out, led briefly over 2f out, weakened and eased over 1f out
held up, headway on bit to lead approaching 2f out, ridden final furlong, strongly pressed near finish, just held on
took keen hold, tracked leaders, challenged giong well over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, not pace of front pair well inside final furlong
held up last, pushed along over 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, stayed on well towards finish, just failed
held up disputing fourth, effort and driven 2f out, unable to quicken
led after 2f, headed over 2f out, soon weakened under pressure
slow into stride, held up disputing fourth, driven over 2f out, soon weakened
Bowder Stone justified strong support to win at Chester last time and can win this under his 6lb penalty. Mark Tompkins' charge continually shaped as one that would come into his own over trips in excess of one mile and that belief was vindicated when he won in impressive fashion at Chester. Open to further improvement, he will take all the beating. Fair Gale is now 11lb higher than when scoring first time out this season. He was an easy winner at Bath last time for which a 5lb rise is not overly harsh. Soft Shoe Shuffle was disappointing last time on her first attempt outside maiden company. Back in handicap company here will be to her liking but while breeding suggests the trip should be within her compass, her style of racing does not convince. Higgy's Boy is more exposed that those previously mentioned, breaking his maiden tag at the sixteenth attempt last time. This contest will prove a much tougher assignment. The market should be monitored where House Of Lords and Spider Silk are concerned but Bowder Stone is given the vote.
Fair Gale 4-1 (9-5) Made all, challenged over 2f out, quickened up and ridden out, won at Bath 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gs beating Casilda (9-7) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Soft Shoe Shuffle (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, 9th of 11, 6l behind Rosaleen (8-12) at Sandown 1m 3yo lst fll (1) gf in Jul.
Bowder Stone (IRE) 11-10fav (9-7) Chased leaders, led approaching 2f out, soon clear, won at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gd beating Riqaab (9-4) by 3l, 7 ran.
Higgy's Boy (IRE) 7-2fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, pushed out, won at Salisbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul beating Basra (9-11) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Spider Silk 25-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, hard driven 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong to lead post, won at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf in Jul beating Special Reserve (9-3) by a ns, 13 ran.
House of Lords (USA) 33-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 11, 6l behind Yaddree (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (3) frm in May.
Mega Watt (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, not clear run over 2f out, driven to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 2l behind Howdigo (8-13) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Irish Mayhem (USA) 14-1 (9-0) Behind, detached over 3f out, 9th of 10, 15l behind Mangham (8-10) at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp (3) sft.
Director's Chair 7-1 (9-2) Led after 1f, quickened clear 4f out, driven out, won at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jul beating Carmela Maria (9-1) by 2l, 11 ran.
