led, ridden inside final furlong, kept on until headed and no extra near finish
towards rear, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous
towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong to take 3rd near finish
tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, lost 3rd near finish
behind, outpaced over 2f out, never on terms
chased leaders, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong to lead near finish
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, soon weakened
hood removed late and missed break, always detached in rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, no impression final furlong
Nonrunner
A competitive opener in which METAL GURU is offered our vote with Welcome Approach and Lithaam others on the shortlist. Reg Hollinshead's mare has been a little below par on the turf of late but she has shown plenty of aptitude for racing around Dunstall Park in the past and off a mark of 55, she is particularly competitive not least as she had been placed off 62 this time last year. Welcome Approach wins in her turn. Regrettably that hasn't been often though the draw is a fair one. Thoughtsofstardom is more than capable but is alas out of form. Lithaam is not so well drawn but David Probert has been in good form when riding for Milton Bradley and it is presumed that the rider would have held the choice. Sir Don is 1lb below his last winning mark and with the Ed McMahon stable in form, any market move should not be ignored. Bertbrand has gone well after a break though needs plenty of luck from a wide draw. Hamilton Park winner, Cayman Fox and Kempton specialist, Woodcote both possess plenty in the way of early pace. Metal Guru is not without questions to answer but with many in that particular boat, she gets the most tentative of votes.
Cayman Fox 11-1 (9-4) Led, headed 2f out, soon outpaced after, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Nomoreblondes (9-2) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Aug.
Admiral Bond (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 17th of 18, 13l behind Just Sam (9-3) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Aug.
Thoughtsofstardom 18-1 (8-13) Raced stands side, always in rear, 13th of 17, 18l behind Lithaam (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-55 (6) gd in Aug.
Lithaam (IRE) 9-2 (8-12) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Chepstow 5f app hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Aug beating Weet A Surprise (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Charlietoo 25-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, short of room 2f out, soon weakened, 14th of 16, 12l behind Quiquillo (9-4) at Chepstow 6f 3yo mdn hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Aug.
Metal Guru 9-1 (8-10) In touch, ridden halfway, soon beaten, 12th of 13, 7l behind Speedy Senorita (9-1) at Beverley 5f fll hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Sir Don (IRE) 66-1 (9-7) Chased leaders to halfway, 11th of 13, 12l behind Only A Game (9-7) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-65 (6) fm in Jun.
Woodcote (IRE) 20-1 (8-6) Started slowly and rider lost iron on start, always detached in rear, last of 8, 29l behind Silver Prelude (8-11) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Aug.
Decider (USA) 25-1 (8-11) With leader, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 3l behind Swinbrook (9-0) at Southwell 6f clm stks (6) fbs in Jul.
Welcome Approach 18-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Fremen (9-3) at Musselburgh 7f sell stks (5) gf in Aug.
Bertbrand 11-2 (9-10) Behind, ridden over 2f out, never able to challenge, 8th of 11, 7l behind Spic 'n Span (9-10) at Wolverhampton 5f sell stks (6) pol in Jul.
Mayoman (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Spirit of Coniston (8-10) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Aug.
Monsieur Reynard 8-1 (9-1) Pulled hard, tracked leader, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Lithaam (8-12) at Chepstow 5f app hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Aug.
