behind, some headway approaching final furlong, never on terms
mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, never dangerous
soon led, headed over 4f out, remained prominent until weakened well over 1f out
always behind
held up mid-division, not clear run over 3f out, headway on outside over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear
always behind, eased final 2f
mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, no extra final furlong
prominent, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent and led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace
prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
close up, lost place over 2f out (lost shoe)
held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, no chance with winner
always behind
This is a very hard race to assess with numerous runners, including The Illies, Salavonic Lake and Pagan Rules, having their first runs in handicaps. With this in mind a tentative vote is given to The Illies. The Barry Hills trained colt showed much improved form when stepped up in trip last time and the breeding suggests this distance of a mile could be ideal. The handicapper hasn't been too harsh and a big run is expected. Slavonic Lake could be anything as he comfortably beat a modest field on fast round. If the rain doesn't get into the ground he will be a threat to all. Amanda Perrett's Pagan Rules has shown promise in three races to date and has been given a fair chance at the weights. Silca Soprano and Goose Green are two recent winners from the Mick Channon yard and so to be respected along with Ed Dunlop's Jawaab, however The Illies is the pick of the weights for us this afternoon.
Cashcade (IRE) 8-1 (8-6) In touch, ridden, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 16, 8l behind Sans Reward (8-8) at Salisbury 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jun.
Jawaab (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Started slowly, behind, headway over 2f out, ran on well inside final furlong to take 2nd close home, not trouble winner, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Heywood (9-0) at Sandown 7f 2yo hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Look Who's Dancing 12-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 13, 7l behind Gold Option (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Persian Fox (IRE) 2-1fav (8-7) Held up in touch, pulled hard, driven to challenge well over 2f out, soon beaten, 7th of 8, 11l behind Spanish Hidalgo (9-7) at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp (4) sft in Aug.
Silca Soprano 10-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 6l behind Spanish Hidalgo (9-7) at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp (4) sft in Aug.
The Illies (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, towards rear, some headway over 1f out, no further impression, 8th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Si Foo (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Slavonic Lake 13-2 (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Thirsk 7f 2yo sll (5) gf in Jul beating Dispol Splendid (8-6) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Spiderback (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders 3f, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 7th of 13, 5l behind Heywood (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol in Jul.
Pagan Rules (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Started slowly, always behind, never going pace, 7th of 8, 7l behind Five A Side (9-3) at Epsom 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jul.
Goose Green (IRE) 5-1 (7-12) Led 1f, in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 4l behind Easy Lover (9-4) at Haydock 1m 2yo hcp (2) hvy.
Sunstroke (IRE) 9-2 (8-8) Led after 1f, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, won at Musselburgh 7f 2yo sll (6) gf in Aug beating Muncaster Castle (8-11) by 2l, 11 ran.
Urban Warrior 11-1 (8-12) Always behind, 8th of 11, 11l behind Silca Soprano (8-7) at Southwell 7f 2yo hcp (5) fbs in Jul.
Feisty 7-1 (8-6) Behind, outpaced 3f out, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong to lead near finish, won at Catterick 7f 2yo hcp (5) gf in Jul beating Tencendur (9-6) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Red 33-1 (8-4) Soon ridden along, never a danger, last of 5, 4l behind Scented Present (9-0) at Chepstow 5f nov stk (4) gf in Jul.
Featherlight 100-1 (9-0) Always in rear, 8th of 13, 13l behind Musical Mirage (9-0) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gf in Aug.
Love Brothers 5-1 (8-3) Prominent, ridden, every chance over 2f out, soon hung left, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Easy Lover (9-4) at Haydock 1m 2yo hcp (2) hvy.
