led, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, one pace from over 1f out
held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, kept on towards finish, just held
held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, no extra towards finish
held up, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
towards rear, kept on from over 1f out, no impression
chased leaders, kept on final furlong
towards rear, kept on from over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, just held
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, effort over 2f out, never on terms
With a 1lb differential between the top and bottom weights, this is the tightest handicap we have seen for quite some time. GOLDEN PROSPECT won an apprentice contest in some style on his latest start so with no penalty accrued, we take him to land it at the expense of Obe Brave and Dhhamaan. John Hills' charge was rated some 19lb higher at the start of last term and while its a little disappointing that connections haven't kept young Nathan Allison in the saddle; Liam Jones is an adequate enough replacement. Obe Brave has been dropped substantially down the weights since leaving Richard Fahey. There was plenty of interest in the betting ring ahead of his most recent start so any market move is to be closely monitored. Dhhamaan is tried in a tongue strap in an attempt to find his form. He was punted off the boards here in July and beat only fresh air home. Yes Please was a big no thank you at Catterick and a first-time visor is applied. Annes Rocket thundered home late at Goodwood to snatch a place and could be capable of repeating the dose here. King's Icon and Ardent Prince both have early boot though wide draws negate much enthusiasm. Kingsgate Castle put up his best effort of the season at Newcastle last time out and appears best of the rest. Golden Prospect is the bet.
Dhhamaan (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Mid-division, came wide entering straight and hung left, soon lost place, 10th of 13, 9l behind Bertie Southstreet (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Aug.
Yes Please 9-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden halfway, never troubled leaders, 13th of 14, 32l behind Lyric Art (8-12) at Catterick 7f mdn stks 0-60 (6) sft.
Ardent Prince 25-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, hampered twice over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 14l behind Cheers For Thea (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
King's Icon (IRE) 11-8fav (8-10) Mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, unable to quicken towards finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Cheers For Thea (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Kingsgate Castle 14-1 (9-0) Raced stand side, tracked leader, led that group over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Mayoman (9-0) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-55 (6) gs.
Annes Rocket (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, soon recovered into mid-division on inner, headway to track leaders 3f out, outpaced inside final 2f, switched left and strong inside final furlong, finished fast to take 2nd final stride, 2nd of 19, 3 1/2l behind King's Colour (9-5) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug.
Danish Art (IRE) 50-1 (8-10) Always behind, 11th of 12, 19l behind Dabbers Ridge (8-13) at Redcar 7f clm stks (5) gf in Jun.
Obe Brave 11-2 (9-5) Led stands side group, driven and overall leader halfway, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 13, 3l behind Goodbye Cash (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Aug.
Vanadium 15-2 (9-7) Behind, outpaced 3f out, never able to challenge, 8th of 16, 7l behind Rock Anthem (9-5) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Aug.
Golden Prospect 7-2fav (8-9) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on and edged left inside final furlong, led close home, won at Brighton 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) fm beating Hypnotic (9-0) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Lady Amberlini 20-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, soon beaten, 8th of 10, 9l behind Midnight Fantasy (8-10) at Kempton 6f fll hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jun.
The Wily Woodcock 100-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 22l behind Valid Point (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol.
