behind, outpaced halfway, soon beaten
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong
behind, never dangerous
held up, headway over 2f out, soon no impression
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on well towards finish
led until over 1f out, no extra final furlong
pulled hard in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
prominent, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, never dangerous
Withdrawn
In the second of the sellers, Hollywood George gets the vote ahead of Mickleberry and Solidgoldeasyaction. Kevin Ryan sent out a well-backed winner of this contest three years ago and he runs Hollywood George in this race, who is the highest-rated of the runners and looks set to benefit from the drop to this level for the first time. Mickleberry showed promise in maiden company last year and, dropping to this grade for the first time, could be interesting too on his seasonal return. Of the others, Solidgoldeasyaction won at this level over course and distance last time but it looks as though he will need to improve again if he is to score today. Marist Madam is closely weighted with her based on that win. Peggys Flower was behind the pair of them that day. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Hollywood George.
Hollywood George 11-2 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened quickly, 6th of 10, 5l behind Arch of Titus (9-3) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Iron Dancer (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out to chase leaders, led just inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 11, nk behind Solidgoldesyaction (8-7) at W'hampton 7f 3yo sll (6) pol.
Solidgoldesyaction 6-1 (8-7) Mid-division, ridden soon after halfway, headway on inside over 2f out, edged left inside final furlong and led close home, won at W'hampton 7f 3yo sll (6) pol beating Iron Dancer (8-12) by a nk, 11 ran.
Marist Madame 33-1 (8-7) Towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, not clear run and switched right over 1f out, ran on to snatch 3rd line, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Solidgoldesyaction (8-7) at W'hampton 7f 3yo sll (6) pol.
Mickleberry (IRE) 4-1 (8-7) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 5l behind Inflagranti (8-11) at Beverley 5f 2yo mdn fll (5) sft in Aug.
Peggys Flower 10-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, headway to chase leaders 5f out, went wide on bend 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, soon outpaced, 6th of 11, 3l behind Solidgoldesyaction (8-7) at W'hampton 7f 3yo sll (6) pol.
Pickledallnuts 33-1 (8-9) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 16, 15l behind Nadawat (8-9) at Newcastle 1m mdn fll (5) gd.
Cryptic Clue (USA) 10-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, ridden and headway halfway, kept on under pressure, 5th of 14, 6l behind Totally Free (9-4) at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp (6) fbs.