chased leaders, ridden 4f out, no extra final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden along 3f out, headway over 2f out, kept on when not much room from 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on
led, ridden well over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, led well over 1f out, headed final furlong, kept on
went left start, mid-division, ridden halfway, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, outpaced over 4f out
chased leaders, ridden halfway, headway and switched left 2f out, led final furlong, kept on well
towards rear, outpaced from halfway
behind and outpaced
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Merchant Of Dubai gets the nod in this opener ahead of Transmission and Tamara Moon. The form of the selection's recent win received a major boost with the second home running very well in a top race at Goodwood last week, and having proven himself on varying ground, Merchant Of Dubai is fancied to extend his winning run. Tamara Moon is another last-time-out winner and Mick Channon's filly appears to have stamina as her strongest asset. She should appreciate this stiff finish and should go well. Transmission is a consistent sort but will need to step up in order to score off this mark of 77, although that is certainly a possibility. Madison Heights is another for major consideration along with fellow Northern horse Dream Express. All in all this looks a tricky opener however we will stick with Merchant Of Dubai to bring home the bacon.
Transmission (IRE) 2-1 (8-12) Close up, ridden to lead approach 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Art Master (8-12) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn auc (4) sft in Jul.
Merchant Of Dubai 11-4fav (9-3) Soon pushed along in mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong to lead towards finish, won at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Jul beating Atabaas Pride (9-3) by a nk, 14 ran.
Dream Express (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) Chased winner, ridden 3f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Borasco (8-12) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Jun.
Tamara Moon (IRE) 12-1 (8-7) Made all, driven over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong, won at Catterick 7f 2yo hcp (5) gs in Jul beating Nine Stories (9-9) by 1l, 7 ran.
Madison Heights (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Pushed along to lead, ridden and headed 2f out, soon beaten, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Serena's Storm (8-12) at Catterick 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs in Jul.
Casino Night 4-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace, 5th of 14, 8l behind Hobby (8-4) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) gd in Jul.
Northgate Lodge (USA) 16-1 (8-5) Close up, led after 1f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 5l behind Thunder Bay (9-0) at Thirsk 5f nov stk (4) gf in Apr.
Welcome Return (IRE) 5-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened 2f out, 6th of 7, 23l behind Farsighted (8-5) at York 7f 2yo fll mdn aut (4) hvy in Jul.
Marie Camargo 25-1 (8-9) Behind, ridden halfway, never on terms, 8th of 14, 10l behind Merchant of Dubai (9-3) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Jul.
Tharaya 7-1 (8-12) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 9, 7l behind Upper Class (9-0) at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Jun.
Aquarian Dancer 50-1 (8-1) In touch, weakened halfway, last of 13, 25l behind La Chicaluna (8-4) at Pontefract 6f 2yo fll mdn aut (5) gf in Jun.
