prominent, led 2f out, ran on well
chased leaders, effort under pressure over 1f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
mid-division, pushed along halfway, stayed on inside final furlong
in touch, no extra approaching final furlong
led, headed 2f out, soon outpaced after
towards rear, never dangerous
raced alone stands side, never on terms
in touch, effort over 1f out, kept on final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
dwelt, towards rear, never dangerous
KING OF SWORDS looks the percentage call in the finale and he is nominated over Rocketball and Garstang. The selection has won his last two races, both by narrow margins, but that has made it difficult for the handicapper to get a grip of him and he still looks to be well treated. Rocketball was reported to be unsuited by the ground at Thirsk last time and he would have claims if he could reproduce the form he had shown previously at Musselburgh. Garstang has shown all his best recent form on the all-weather but he does tend to go well at this time of year and he should not be far away at the finish. Nomoreblondes has won over the course and distance and he returned to form last time out, albeit in a seller. Top Bid is from a yard in form and he could prove best of the others, but in an open finale we will side with King Of Swords.
Garstang 7-4fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, led narrowly inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 6, ns behind Wotashirtfull (9-5) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Nomoreblondes 11-1 (9-1) With winner throughout, ridden and every chance when edged left inside final furlong, ran on, just failed, 2nd of 14, shd behind Mythical Blue (9-4) at Warwick 5f sell stks (6) gd.
Rocketball (IRE) 15-2 (9-2) Chased leaders to over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 11, 18l behind Tagula Breeze (9-2) at Thirsk 5f all hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Kyzer Chief 12-1 (9-6) In touch, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 11l behind Spirit of Coniston (8-10) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
King Of Swords (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out, driven and stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Pontefract 5f hcap (5) gf beating Darcy's Pride (8-7) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Joyeaux 12-1 (9-0) Slowly away, soon pushed along towards rear, reminder over 3f out, headway over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, finished well to go 2nd near finish, not reached winner, 2nd of 13, nk behind Speedy Senorita (9-1) at Beverley 5f fll hcp (5) gd.
Top Bid 3-1fav (8-11) Flyjumped start, slowly away, raced towards centre in rear, headway and switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 10, 7l behind Jilly Why (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Jul.
Cayman Fox 6-1 (8-6) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 6l behind The Nifty Fox (9-1) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jul.
Thunder Bay 12-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed halfway, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 4l behind Imperial Sword (9-7) at Ayr 6f all hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Toy Top (USA) 11-1 (8-10) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Tagula Breeze (9-2) at Thirsk 5f all hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Milton of Campsie 40-1 (9-9) Led, ridden along halfway, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 12, 10l behind Mo Mhuirnin (9-10) at Doncaster 7f fll hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Kalhan Sands (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Reared start and missed break, always in rear, 15th of 16, 13l behind Littlemisssunshine (9-9) at Chepstow 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Glenluji 28-1 (8-10) Held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Darcy's Pride (9-0) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-55 (6) gf.
