mid-division, effort over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden along halfway, some late headway, never reached challenging position
made all, ridden over 2f out, kept on gamely final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden along 3f out, headway over 1f out, no extra final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
took keen hold and held up behind leaders, driven over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
mid-division, effort over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt and was always in rear
held up behind leaders, ridden along and headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold behind winner, ridden along over 2f out, one pace final furlong
OBSERVATORY STAR goes well fresh and is worth a shot in this company. Captain Macarry has 6lb extra to carry for winning here eight days ago but is still respected as a live danger, while Handsome Falcon and Bustan are others that enter the equation on the pick of their form. The last named has long been the standard bearer for Giles Bravery and he continues to run with credit. Sadly he also consistently finds a few too good and his supporters need to have a lot of faith to accompany their deep pockets. Handsome Falcon has shaped as if he is returning to form and, as his attitude is unquestionable, he can go close even though he looks weighted to the hilt. However, Observatory Star has a similar profile and, as Tim Easterby has a number of interesting entries ahead of the big-race action at York later in the week; this fellow can do his bit to help boost the coffers as the yard steps things up a gear.
Traphalgar (IRE) 15-2 (9-7) Chased leader, ridden 3f out, led and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Topazes (9-4) at Salisbury 1m 3yo hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Exit Smiling 14-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden over 2f out, driven, one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Tartan Gigha (9-0) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Billy Dane (IRE) 28-1 (8-11) Made all, ridden over 1f out, held on gamely towards finish, won at Haydock 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Apr beating Just Bond (8-13) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Blue Spinnaker (IRE) 80-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, weakened 3f out, 11th of 13, 16l behind Stone Of Scone (9-4) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Apr.
Observatory Star (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Behind, driven and outpaced 3f out, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, never troubled leaders, 5th of 16, 6l behind Major Magpie (9-8) at Pontefract 1m hcap (4) gs in Sep.
Bustan (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden when hampered over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Twilight Star (11-0) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Apr.
Captain Macarry (IRE) 4-1fav (9-4) Held up behind leaders, effort when not much room over 1f out, switched left, quickened to lead inside final furlong, pushed clear, won at Beverley 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf beating Salerosa (8-6) by 5l, 10 ran.
Nevada Desert (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Soon led, ridden over 2f, headed approaching final furlong, driven and kept on, 2nd of 13, hd behind Dan Chillingworth (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp (4) fbs in Oct.
Riley Boys (IRE) 17-2 (9-10) In rear, effort over 2f out, beaten over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 13l behind Opus Maximus (9-0) at Nottingham 1m hcap (4) gd in Jul.
Handsome Falcon 4-1 (8-6) Held up behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, driven, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Tartan Gigha (9-0) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Spin Again (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, saddle slipped after 2f, always behind, last of 12, 39l behind Bere Davis (8-11) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Jebel Tara 7-2 (9-1) Led, driven over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Blue Charm (9-0) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Apr.
