raced alone in centre and overall leader until halfway, chased winner until ridden 2f out, soon weakened
raced far side against rail, led that group after 1f, led and overall leader halfway, clear 3f out, comfortable
raced far side, close up, switched to far rail 6f out, weakened 3f out
raced far side led that group 2f, chased winner, weakened over 2f out
Ralph Beckett won this race in 2009 with a well-backed three-year-old and can repeat the trick with DESERT SAGE. The 3lb claim of talented apprentice Emmett McNamara bodes well for the chances of our selection, who takes a big drop in class having contested a class three event at the track last time. That day the filly set a strong tempo before weakening over 1m4f, suggesting this drop in trip would help, and in a race lacking strength she could prove hard to pass. Strategic Mount has won off a mark as high as 92 before so rates a threat from a handicapping perspective but it's a long time since he's tasted success, although this is clearly the easiest handicap he's ever contested. Scottish Boogie finished clear of the third last time and is relatively unexposed under what appear suitable conditions so helps complete our shortlist of three as Zenarinda has been well beaten off lower marks previously and Gearbox is yet to show he's up to winning even in this company.
Desert Sage 16-1 (10-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra towards finish, 6th of 12, 6l behind Calatrava Cape (9-8) at Newmarket 1m 4f flls hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Sep.
Scottish Boogie (IRE) 8-1 (8-2) Mid-division, headway on outside over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Sharaayeen (8-11) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep.
Zenarinda 9-2 (8-7) Held up towards rear, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed well inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Sense Of Pride (8-12) at Chester 1m 2f mdn stks (3) gs in Sep.
Gearbox (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, gradually weakened, 7th of 12, 8l behind Straversjoy (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Sep.
Strategic Mount 5-1fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 14th of 15, 21l behind Maybe I Wont (9-13) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f am hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
