tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside
always in rear
mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased winner final furlong, hung left
with leader, led over 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakening when headed over 1f out
tracked leaders throughout, led over 1f out, hard ridden under pressure and wandered throughout final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, plugged on
slowly into stride, never a factor
towards rear, ridden 4f out, some progress, held when carried left over 1f out
led, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
in touch, weakened over 2f out
FULLBACK has been tried at seven, eight and nine furlongs so far and run with credit in notching up four successive runner-up berths, and today he can finally go one better at the main expense of Excelsior Academy. The Stan Moore-trained selection has not been far away on any of those four occasions, including over c&d last time. In spite of the string of twos against his name he is a genuine juvenile and if he gives of his best again here he is the one to beat. Excelsior Academy should be suited by the step up to this trip after a good effort at Great Leighs last time and with the hoods applied he looks capable of going very close. Doncosaque is also stepped up in trip after showing promise over a mile last time. Henry Cecil's colt will probably improve for that, though he is likely to show more next season. Ascendant looks likely to want soft ground on turf if pedigree is any guide and Fullback has a golden opportunity to score.
Ascendant 8-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway 4f out, soon ridden, close up over 1f out, looked held approaching 1f out, ran on again towards finish, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Liberation (9-3) at Brighton 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Captain Cavendish (IRE) Captain Rio gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Coral Point (IRE) 28-1 (8-9) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 11th of 12, 31l behind Athania (8-4) at Salisbury 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs in Aug.
Doncosaque (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 14, 5l behind Thunderball (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 2yo mdn (4) pol in Aug.
Excelsior Academy 9-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, led over 6f out, headed 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 2nd of 14, 4l behind Thunderball (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 2yo mdn (4) pol in Aug.
Fullback (IRE) 15-8 (8-9) Held up, chased leading pair over 2f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Poster (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f nov aut stk (5) pol.
Grey Ghost Linamix colt, half-brother to winning miler Blue Savannah.
Recession Proof (FR) 66-1 (9-3) Dwelt, held up, always in rear, shaken up and struggling 3f out, 9th of 11, 12l behind Classic Vintage (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (4) sft.
Accumulation (UAE) 66-1 (8-5) Held up, ridden over 4f out, never dangerous, 10th of 11, 36l behind Guestofthenation (9-3) at Thirsk 1m 2yo mdn (4) sft.
Calling Birds (IRE) Royal Applause filly, half-sister to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Superstitious Me (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Raced wide in mid-division, wide straight, soon struggling, last of 14, 37l behind Bright Enough (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2yo hcp (6) pol.
Welsh Passion 12-1 (8-5) Always in rear, 8th of 10, 29l behind Alcalde (9-3) at Brighton 1m 2yo mdn auc (5) sft.
Satwa Gold (USA) 25-1 (9-3) Always in rear, last of 11, 21l behind Almiqdaad (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Aug.