tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden, headway over 1f out, led 1f out, stayed on well
held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, soon tracking leader, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway, hung left over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, weakened over 2f out
held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden over 2f out, headed final furlong, no extra
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden, outpaced over 3f out, rallied over 1f out, stayed on
held up towards rear, never dangerous
slowly into stride, always behind, tailed off over 1f out
slowly away, in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, nearest at finish
Hamilton winner No Grouse ran a reasonable race at Chester subsequently and has to be respected racing off a 3lb lower mark today but Eric Alston's gelding is still 8lbs higher than at Hamilton and he is probably booked for a place at best with preference for Botham, who gets the vote over Orphan. The last mentioned showed improved form for his reappearance run when a close third behind Optical Illusion at Hamilton earlier this month and Gary Moore's gelding has claims if able to build on that effort and stay this longer trip. Hansomis ran better over course and distance last time and has to be respected racing off the same mark today, while Anthemion has been knocking on the door of late and should again be thereabouts. Chris Thornton's Vesuvio has struggled since sent handicapping and preference is for Botham. Jim Goldie's gelding has been running consistently well over six furlongs of late, should appreciate the return to seven and he looks worth supporting on his return to the distance.
Sands of Barra (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Broke well, chased leader, ridden over 2f out, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 11l behind Harare (9-7) at Chester 1m app hcp (5) gd.
No Grouse 13-2 (8-4) Behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong until edged right and one pace towards finish, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Barons Spy (9-8) at Chester 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Tom Tower (IRE) 50-1 (8-8) Always towards rear, last of 12, 41l behind Angus Newz (9-13) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun.
Soviet (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) With winner, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 8l behind Tatbeeq (8-9) at Haydock 1m mdn stk (5) gd.
Orphan (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, not pace of first two, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Optical Illusion (9-6) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Staked A Claim (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Towards rear stands' side, never dangerous, 10th of 16, 5l behind Ursus (8-2) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Jun.
Botham (USA) 5-1 (9-1) Behind and outpaced, headway over 1f out, never reached leaders, 5th of 9, 4l behind Optical Illusion (9-6) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Hansomis (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Chased winner until over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Derricks Dotty (8-12) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Vesuvio 8-1 (9-0) In touch, kept on same pace final 2f, 6th of 12, 6l behind Derricks Dotty (8-12) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Charlie Allnut 33-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 16, 9l behind Muhajaar (9-2) at Haydock 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
Doric Dream 12-1 (8-12) Chased leader, every chance over 2f out, weakening when hung left over 1f out, 7th of 8, 9l behind Mr Macattack (9-3) at W'hampton 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Mangano 16-1 (8-10) Towards rear, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 8l behind Derricks Dotty (8-12) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Royal Citadel (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) In touch, lost place over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 6th of 9, 13l behind Monsoon Wedding (8-12) at Hamilton 1m 1f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs in Sept.
Anthemion (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Grand Diamond (9-4) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gs.
