mid-division, headway over 2f oput, ridden over1f out, hung left, stayed on
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
with leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, one pace final furlong
keen, chased leaders, lost place over 2f out
behind, headway over 3f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, never trouble leaders
mid-division, driven over 4f out, kept on from over 1f out, never on terms
behind, ridden and stayed on final 2f, never nearer
chased leaders, lost place 4f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, lost place over 2f out
chased leaders, lost place 7f out, soon behind
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, stayed on
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
raced keen, led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
Sir Michael Stoute should finish the York season as top trainer and can cement his claims via Esplanade, with Pango, Cool Temper and Start Over just three others to consider in this large field. With eight victories on the Knavesmire so far this term, The Minster Jaguar Trophy for top trainer looks destined for Freemason Lodge, and in Esplanade, the Newmarket yard may have the answer to this 20-runner handicap. The three-year-old filly has been given a mark of 78 for her handicap debut, but could have a lot more to offer after scoring at Bath on just her fourth career start. She did not beat much but has the scope to improve markedly and may have been under-rated. A low draw is beneficial on faster ground at York, and most of her main rivals are housed on the stands side. They include Start Over, narrowly touched off at Musselburgh a fortnight ago, and Spanish Don who bounced back to form at Windsor on his first outing for David Elsworth. Pagan Prince is on the near side as well but should be given a good ride by Lisa Jones and is one to consider for place purposes. However, Pango beat him at Epsom and is slightly better off at the weights, so should finish ahead of James Toller's runner. Cool Temper's successes have been in low-grade handicaps, but he too should not be discounted. All in all, it is a typical end-of-season affair at York and one in which Esplanade has the scope to finish on a high.