dwelt tracked leading trio, ridden and headway over 1f out, led briefly inside final furlong, lost 2nd post
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leading trio, effort approaching final furlong, driven and stayed on to go 2nd post
awkwardly away in touch in rear, pushed along and headway inside final furlong, led towards finish
keen pressed leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
pressed leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, soon headed, kept on
The handicapper has held the upper hand since Jumira Bridge won at Sandown in May and soft going here would be a concern. Arzaak has been on the go for a long time but he’s been knocking on the door again lately off this sort of mark. He’ll handle the track and conditions so can’t be ignored, though Michael Dods sends few runners here so the appearance of DAKOTA GOLD looks significant. Just beaten twice on ground with some give since scoring at York in July, the top weight can get his head in front again today though a victory for any of the remaining trio in an open-looking sprint would not be a shock.
Dakota Gold 5-2fav (9-13) Slowly into stride, held up, headway halfway, chased leaders over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 9, nk behind Major Jumbo (9-6) at York 6f hcp (3) gs in Sep.
Gracious John (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Chased leading trio, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd near finish, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Waady (8-12) at Leicester 5f stks (3) gs in Sep.
Jumira Bridge 10-3fav (9-6) Raced towards near side, chased leader until ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 14, 3 3/4l behind Shamshon (9-1) at Newmarket 5f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Equimou 40-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, never reached leaders, 8th of 19, 5 3/4l behind Holmeswood (8-13) at York 5f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Orient Class 6-1 (9-13) Mid-division on outside, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, pressing leaders towards finish, just held, 3rd of 10, nk behind Kinloch Pride (8-6) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Arzaak (IRE) 11-2 (9-1) Raced wide prominent, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Tarboosh (9-4) at Ripon 5f hcp (3) gf in Sep.