pulled hard, led after 1f, made rest, ridden 2f out, edged left, idled inside final furlong
led 1f, chased winner after, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up towards rear in touch, ridden to go poor 3rd over 2f out, never dangerous
in touch, ridden, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear in touch, ridden, weakened over 2f out
soon pushed along in rear, never dangerous
KING'S BASTION is the form pick to land this claimer at the expense of Gee Ceffyl Bach and My Mate Mal. The selection drops in grade for the first time having last won a handicap off a mark of 78 back in May. Now rated as high as 85 he has since struggled and connections feel that it is time to give a chance of getting his head in front once again so this drop into claiming company means he is well in at the weights and if recapturing his best for he should prove difficult to beat. Gee Ceffyl Bach ran well in this grade last time out over course and distance when finishing third of thirteen and can once again be in the shake up. My Mate Mal is unexposed in comparison and has run some fine races in maiden company this season. He drops into this company for the first time so any market moves should be noted. But for the winner we return to King's Bastion.
My Mate Mal 7-2 (8-12) Prominent, ridden along over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Isabella's Fancy (8-12) at Southwell 7f mdn aut stk (6) fbs.
Comrade Cotton 4-1fav (9-0) Prominent, ridden well over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Malinsa Blue (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol.
Redsensor 50-1 (8-5) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no progress and outpaced over 1f out, 8th of 14, 6l behind Princess India (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Lechero (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Dwelt and always rear division, 7th of 10, 20l behind Isabella's Fancy (8-12) at Southwell 7f mdn aut stk (6) fbs.
Driven Snow 5-2fav (9-6) In touch, hard ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, 15l behind Stage Acclaim (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) sft in Jul.
Gee Ceffyl Bach 16-1 (7-11) Always prominent, hard ridden and effort from well over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong hand time, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Desiderio (9-3) at Yarmouth 1m clm (6) gs.
King's Bastion (IRE) 22-1 (8-1) Raced far side mainly towards rear, 12th of 17, 6l behind Plum Pudding (9-6) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-100 (2) gd.