led, pushed along halfway, driven and headed over 3f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, never on terms
always behind
tracked leaders, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, led again inside final furlong, all out
pulled hard towards rear, headway approaching halfway, soon prominent, led just over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
mid-division, headway over 4f out, chased leaders approaching final furlong, soon one pace
always mid-division
in touch, lost place over 4f out
held up in touch, lost place over 2f out
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened
We could make a case for at least half of the field in this handicap but after cruising to success last time out we back BLACK OR RED to defy his mark rise and score again ahead of Jackday and Squirtle. Ffos Las was the venue for the pick's nine length success on his last start. As a result his mark has suffered to the tune of nine pounds but with the second from that contest franking the form he can make it two from two over this trip. Jackday has found his own burden increase despite defeat on his last start. He was only caught in the shadow of the post that day behind a subsequent winner and while his mark is now looking a little prohibitive he should be in the mix. Squirtle has a good strike rate at this track and goes well on soft so should be in the picture while Miss Keck isn't weighted out of things completely either. Not the easiest race to call but in this mood Black Or Red looks the percentage pick.
Secret Ploy 11-2 (10-0) Soon led, pushed along over 4f out, headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, eased inside final furlong, 8th of 9, 10l behind Rare Ruby (9-5) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jul.
Danzatrice 9-1 (9-3) In rear, headway over 3f out, no impression over 1f out, 6th of 9, 6l behind Pseudonym (9-1) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
King In Waiting (IRE) 33-1 (9-10) Led 1f, tracked leader after, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 13, 37l behind Sporting Gesture (8-7) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul.
Miss Keck 7-1 (9-1) Close up, ridden over 3f out, kept on, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Pseudonym (9-1) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Black Or Red (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Hampered soon after start, held up in rear, not clear run 4f out, good headway soon after, led well over 2f out, soon clear, stayed on well, won at Ffos Las 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul beating Ambrose Princess (9-5) by 9l, 10 ran.
Jackday (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, kept on final furlong until headed post, 2nd of 12, hd behind Spiders Star (8-3) at Thirsk 2m hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Jun.
Sir Sandicliffe (IRE) 6-1 (8-4) Dwelt, in rear, ridden 4f out, stayed on inside final furlong but never dangerous, last of 5, 1 1/2l behind Act Of Kalanisi (8-9) at Chester 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Unawatuna 2-1fav (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, kept on final furlong, no impression, 4th of 11, 8l behind Saxona (8-11) at Carlisle 2m 1f (6) gd in Jul.
Squirtle (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 8th of 13, 14l behind Baan (9-2) at Yarmouth 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jul.
River Danube 33-1 (9-2) Held up always behind, last of 13, well behind Summer Soul (9-11) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
