chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, hung left and not much room over 2f out, eased final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression from over 1f out
behind, ridden and headway on outer well over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish
held up mid-division, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, soon every chance, not quicken inside final furlong
led, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, ridden and headway well over 1f out, stayed on
chased leader, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, no impression
in touch, headway to chase leaders, not much room over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, led on bit 2f out, ridden and challenged over 1f out, driven out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up on outer, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong
Esoterica gets the vote in the finale with Neon Blue and Crocodile Bay others to consider. The selection is chasing the hat-trick and he won well last time at Thirsk when beating Cool Ebony, considering he came from a long way back after missing the break. He looks like one to stay on the right side of and he can win again. Neon Blue won well last time at York but he normally reserves his best for that track and he could be vulnerable under his penalty. Crocodile Bay has been holding his form quite well but he gave the impression last time out that he might just be in the grip of the handicapper and for that reason we will take him on. Wahoo Sam would be a danger to all if he is able to get an easy lead but he has been a bit disappointing of late. Esoterica looks a solid bet and is taken to score.
Neon Blue 5-1fav (9-1) Close up, led over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well, won at York 7f hcap (5) gf beating Sedge (8-9) by a nk, 17 ran.
Sea Storm (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 7th of 9, 7l behind Orpen Wide (9-1) at Haydock 1m hcap (4) gf.
Esoterica (IRE) 13-8fav (8-13) Dwelt, not much room over 4f out, switched right and headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong to lead post, won at Thirsk 1m hcap (5) gf beating Cool Ebony (9-9) by a shd, 12 ran.
Crocodile Bay (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-8) In touch, effort over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, just held, 4th of 15, 1/2l behind Jawaab (9-1) at Haydock 1m hcap (5) gf.
Opal Noir 33-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 11, 6l behind Rainbow Fox (8-12) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Aug.
Wahoo Sam (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 14th of 15, 15l behind Jawaab (9-1) at Haydock 1m hcap (5) gf.
Mystical Ayr (IRE) 5-1fav (8-7) In touch, headway over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Dark Charm (8-9) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Aug.
Mozakhraf (USA) 9-2jt-fav (9-1) Chased leaders far side, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 13, 11l behind Compton Classic (8-13) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.
Dorn Dancer (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Always towards rear, 10th of 17, 7l behind Neon Blue (9-1) at York 7f hcap (5) gf.
Gap Princess (IRE) 10-1 (8-9) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 11, 3l behind Giant Slalom (9-0) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Campo Bueno (FR) 50-1 (8-4) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon outpaced, 8th of 10, 15l behind Bel Cantor (8-4) at Pontefract 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Jul.
Sands of Barra (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, held close home, 2nd of 14, nk behind Kirkby's Treasure (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f hcap (6) gs.
Fair Shake (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, 13th of 14, 7l behind Pay Time (8-10) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Poppy's Rose 13-2 (9-2) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 7th of 10, 4l behind Never Without Me (8-11) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Aug.
