held up, ridden and headway 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
midfield, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
midfield, ridden 3f out, headway into second 2f out, ran on but no threat to winner
made all, eased clear 7f out, ridden 2f out, ran on well, readily
always in rear
chased winner, ridden 3f out, weakened
Engrave has never won on Turf and has become frustrating to follow. Alpha King has had plenty of chances this year but True Courage has found some form again recently and won here over a longer trip a year ago when only 3lb lower. Bakersboy is only 1-20 but a step back up in trip will suit and The Thunderer’s only previous win came on this track. FRANCO GRASSO won over course and distance on his reappearance and a combination of soft going and further proved his undoing subsequently. He gets the nod today partnered by the most experienced of these apprentices.
True Courage 5-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 2f out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Enthused (9-10) at Windsor 1m 3f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Bakersboy 7-4 (10-0) Close up, ridden along over 3f out, weakened gradually from 2f out, 3rd of 4, 3l behind Almaan (9-11) at Newmarket 1m hcp (5) gd in Jun.
The Thunderer (IRE) 10-1 (9-8) In rear, outpaced over 2f out, 6th of 7, dist behind The Whipmaster (9-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (5) gf in May.
Alpha King 9-1 (9-9) Led after 2f, 10 lengths clear 6f out, reduced lead 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 7 1/4l behind Three Priests (8-4) at Bath 1m 4f stks (5) fm in Jun.
Franco Grasso 8-13fav (9-4) Tracked leader, pushed along 4f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 4, 2 1/4l behind Henry The Fifth (8-4) at Yarmouth 1m 6f hcp (5) sft in May.
Engrave 17-2 (10-11) Led, headed 4f out, ridden over 2f out, no extra, 6th of 12, 7 1/2l behind King's Castle (10-10) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (5) gs in Jun.