pressed leader, ridden over 1f out, soon led, driven out (hand timed)
led, ridden over 1f out, soon headed, no extra towards finish, just held on for 2nd
prominent, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ran on towards finish, just failed to get 2nd
held up in rear, headway and edged right over 1f out, never troubled leaders
slowly away, in rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never going pace to get competitive
mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, no headway
missed break slightly, held up in rear, raced keenly, not clear run briefly over 2f out, always behind
mid-division, struggling over 2f out, tailed off
With the best form on offer and a good draw to boot we'll side with ELUSIVE TRADER, who is a confident choice to see off Mercers Row and Final Ovation. Seb Sanders is booked by Richard Hannon for the leg-up on the selection, who opened up with a very promising Lingfield debut before disappointing favourite backers when a beaten odds-on shot at Kempton. Even so, that latter effort would still give him every chance in this weaker field and he should be able to dictate matters. Mercers Row acts on a sound or fast surface and didn't appear to handle the soft going at Catterick last time. He will be much better suited by today's conditions and trip and from a high draw can go close. Final Ovation ran well in context when not far away in a Musselburgh seller and is another who will probably prefer to hear his hooves rattle and John Quinn's gelding is feared. Taborcillo is one to note after just a couple of starts so far and is open to a fair bit more. He tries fast ground for the first time but his sire won on it and so he should be ok, and he is respected. Kalahari Desert is not without ability although perhaps didn't show as much as we might have expected last time at York and he too has to prove he handles this ground, so our preference is for Elusive Trader.
Besty 14-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 11th of 14, 22l behind Dance For Julie (8-3) at Thirsk 6f 2yo mdn aut (4) sft.
Elusive Trader (USA) 10-11fav (9-3) Led 2f, chased leader until led again 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Brick Red (9-3) at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Aug.
Final Ovation (IRE) 5-2 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Melody In The Mist (8-12) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo sll (6) sft in Aug.
Kalahari Desert (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) With leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 10, 11l behind Coolminx (8-12) at York 5f 2yo mdn (3) gs.
Media Jury Lucky Owners gelding out of Landofheartsdesire.
Mercers Row 9-2 (9-3) Prominent, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong, 6th of 11, 12l behind Comedy Hall (9-3) at Catterick 5f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Ravenfield (IRE) Xaar colt out of Rubyanne.
Redoubtable Grace 66-1 (9-3) Very slowly away and always well behind, 9th of 11, 33l behind Comedy Hall (9-3) at Catterick 5f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Taborcillo 7-2 (9-3) With leaders, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out, 9th of 10, 24l behind Coolminx (8-12) at York 5f 2yo mdn (3) gs.
Thinking 66-1 (8-13) Prominent, weakened from halfway, last of 14, 27l behind Dance For Julie (8-3) at Thirsk 6f 2yo mdn aut (4) sft.
Woldgate Monsieur Bond gelding out of Chicago Bond.
Layla's Lexi 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, raced stands side, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Comedy Hall (9-3) at Catterick 5f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Remember Dougie (IRE) 100-1 (8-3) Slowly into stride, always behind, 8th of 9, 19l behind Melody In The Mist (8-12) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo sll (6) sft in Aug.
Hail Bold Chief (USA) Dynaformer colt out of Yanaseeni.
