tracked leading trio on rail, not clear run and switched left over 1f out, soon challenging, led inside final furlong, ran on well, ridden out
held up in in 6th, pushed along over 3f out, stayed on to 3rd inside final furlong, not pace to reach leading duo
tracked leader, led narrowly 2f out, headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner
dwelt, held up and always rear
led, pushed along 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, chased leader until 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden 3f out, no progress final 2f
took keen hold, held up in last pair, pushed along 3f out, good headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish
went left start, took keen hold, tracked leading trio, switched left to outside 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge
Pendragon is holding his form well however he may be a tad high in the handicap so we will plump for GENERAL TUFTO over Blue Spinnaker and City Vaults Girl. Charles Smith's gelding is not straightforward but he comes here on the back of a fair effort over course and distance and he seems to like 'The Westwood'. He is only 2lb higher than when winning here in May and as long as he gets a decent pace to chase he could feasibly strike late for a third course and distance success. Pendragon is holding his form well and is not to be ignored given his vast progression since Christmas, Snowed Under is a well-handicapped course and distance winner who isn't in the best of nick, whilst Blue Spinnaker is still well-treated on his old form but the ever-green 11-year-old is only to be backed if supported into favouritism. Umverti finished ahead of the General last time and is respected again given her (generally) consistent form this year, City Vaults Girl impressed at Pontefract last time and has been given a nice break to get over those exertions, whilst Saint Thomas should be happier back at the track after a Chester flop in May when outclassed in a better race than this. The market should be informative here however the nomination is given to General Tufto.
Pendragon (USA) 10-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 16, 1/2l behind Brushing (9-6) at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
General Tufto 11-1 (8-11) Held up in last pair, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 7, 2l behind Danehillsundance (9-7) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Snowed Under 12-1 (9-7) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 13, 9l behind Scamperdale (8-12) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Blue Spinnaker (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 19, 1 1/2l behind Kindest (9-5) at York 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Umverti 8-1 (8-3) Prominent, led after 2f, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Danehillsundance (9-7) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
City Vaults Girl (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Made all, lifted pace 2f out, ridden 2 lengths clear over 1f out, driven final furlong, held on well near finish, won at Pontefract 1m 2f fll hcp (5) gf in May beating Aquarius Star (9-5) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Descaro (USA) 20-1 (9-7) Never better than mid-division, 11th of 18, 18l behind Theother Haaf (8-13) at Fairyhouse 1m 1f 3yo app hcp 0-70 in Sep.
Arashi 12-1 (8-8) Held up in touch and keen, ridden and hung left over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 7l behind High Office (9-5) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Saint Thomas (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong, 6th of 7, 18l behind Zuider Zee (9-1) at Chester 1m 3f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
