mid-division, effort halfway, no impression
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden along halfway, hung left when weakening entering final furlong
in touch, ridden along halfway, driven and kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, led over 1f out, soon clear, pushed out final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon beaten
towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, stayed on towards finish
always in rear
dwelt and towards rear, never dangerous
In spite of his car park draw Aaim For Applause is still serious short list material here, with Eastern Romance and Foreign Rhythm also considered and we take Eastern Romance to score. The selection was a good second to Mr Keppel over 6f at Haydock last time in handicap company. That represents decent form in context here, and as he acts on the ground, has a handy enough draw, and looks likely to benefit from the return to the minimum he gets the nod. Aaim For Applause is top rated officially here but is drawn in one, which is a clear disadvantage under normal circumstances, and he is probably better over 6f, so we are prepared to take him on. Foreign Rhythm tackles fast ground for the first time, but pedigree suggests she should handle it fine, and she has run well enough to finish in the frame in four maidens without winning. She may have to settle for the bridesmaid tag once again here, though we don't expect she'll be far away. Not My Choice and Smarterthanuthink should be watched in the market for a guide to their respective chances, but our selection is Eastern Romance.
Admiralcollingwood 25-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden halfway, no impression, 6th of 12, 4l behind Lesson In Humility (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gf in Jul.
Afton View (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Pushed along early, in rear, effort on inside 2f out, no impression, 5th of 6, 7l behind Bellomi (9-3) at Chester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Copperbottomed (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden 3f out, edged right, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 12l behind Zaskar (8-6) at W'hampton 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol.
Flex 25-1 (9-3) Chased leaders on outside, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 11th of 13, 20l behind Raiding Party (8-12) at W'hampton 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol.
Smarterthanuthink (USA) 20-1 (9-3) Dwelt and towards rear, soon chased along, ridden over 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 6th of 12, 6l behind Fyodorovich (9-3) at Thirsk 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug.
Terry's Tip (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Dwelt, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 7l behind Philario (9-3) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn auc (6) gd in Jun.
Eastern Romance 20-1 (8-4) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, not quicken, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Mr Keppel (8-3) at Haydock 6f 2yo hcp (2) gf.
Foreign Rhythm (IRE) 5-2 (8-12) Hung left throughout, chased leaders, effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Sophie's Girl (8-12) at Thirsk 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gd in Aug.
Joint Agency (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, driven 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 12l behind Mey Blossom (8-9) at Beverley 5f 2yo mdn fll (4) gd in Aug.
Lu's Woman Lujain filly, half-sister to winning sprinter Best Woman.
Lucky Stream 100-1 (8-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 31l behind Guertino (8-11) at Carlisle 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs in Jun.
Phoenix Bay Reel Buddy filly, half-sister to several winners from 5f-1m.
Senora's Best Best of The Bests filly out of a moderate racemare.
Bertolini John Bertolini colt out of a lightly-raced mare.
Aaim For Applause 11-4fav (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, driven and one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 3l behind Sophie's Girl (9-1) at Ripon 6f 2yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Atephobia 5-2 (8-9) In touch, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 11, nk behind Genethni (8-4) at Hamilton 6f 2yo clm (6) gf.
Not My Choice (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, 8th of 11, 8l behind Inxile (9-3) at Haydock 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
