chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, always towards rear
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, squeezed through to lead inside final furlong, ran on
slowly into stride, always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance when bumped inside final furlong, not quicken
in touch, ridden and every chance over 1f out, soon edged left, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, kept on under pressure from over 1f out, never trouble leaders
with leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden well over 1f out, headed and not quicken inside final furlong
always towards rear
Gifted Flame edges a slender verdict over Dark Charm and Top Spec, while Ransom Strip is open to improvement and, with his yard in flying form, will be very dangerous to ignore. The last named posted a fair performance at Newcastle last time out and, having proved himself on the ground, can go close with a similar effort today. Watch the market carefully where he is concerned. Top Spec has already enjoyed a good season and deserves a change of fortune. His style of running does leave him vulnerable to a strong finisher and he needs everything to fall into place for him. Dark Charm is another that has not won as a many races as he should have and will never be one to trust implicitly. However, he has got his act together this season and is consistent enough to be considered as a live alternative to the selection. Nevertheless, Gifted Flame has shown a liking for a stiff finish and, having gone close in similar races of late, today's step up in trip may just provide the key to him returning to winning ways.
Top Spec (IRE) 5-1fav (10-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 2l behind Celtique (9-8) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Dark Charm (FR) 9-2 (11-5) Held up in touch, effort on inside over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Mighty Moon (10-4) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jul.
Barbirolli 6-1 (8-1) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, 4th of 7, 3l behind Instructor (9-7) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
Planters Punch (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 3l behind Highest Regard (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) frm in Jul.
Ransom Strip (USA) 7-1 (8-0) Held up, ridden when outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, edged left and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Highest Regard (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) frm in Jul.
Splodger Mac (IRE) 20-1 (8-2) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Apsara (9-3) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Hilltime (IRE) 9-1 (8-2) Mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 4th of 8, 2l behind Splodger Mac (8-5) at Pontefract 1m 2f app hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Gifted Flame 4-1jt-fav (10-10) Dwelt, soon in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 11l behind Uhuru Peak (9-5) at Carlisle 1m ldy rds hcp (5) gf.
