towards rear, headway over 3f, driven 2f out, chased winner final furlong
led, ridden, headed 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
towards rear, headway over 3f out, one pace final 2f
towards rear, never a factor
in touch, led 2f out, ridden, kept on final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon behind
never better than mid-division
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, driven over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, reminders over 6f out, soon beaten
towards rear, headway over 2f out, driven, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden when weakening over 1f out
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
Ego Trip is preferred to Onyergo and Mystical Ayr. Mick Easterby's charge has got plenty of solid soft ground form in the locker and while supporters have endured mixed fortunes in the past, he has to have more positives than most. Onyergo was given a patient ride when finishing second on his most recent start over 1m6f. The drop in trip will probably help his cause and we know that the track and the going are of no concern. Mystical Ayr is exposed as moderate but she does handle the surface. Royal Melbourne is another to like the soft going although winning has been difficult and penalties have been accrued for placed efforts. Bill Bennett ran well in banded company but has shown nothing of note of late. Willie Musson is a rare visitor to these parts so any market confidence behind Darghan is noted. Plenty Cried Wolf would have chances on some of his better form but a win ratio of 1 from 20 could not inspire too much confidence. Star Sign is tried in first time headgear although she would need to improve to win this. A difficult race in which the mud will be flying and we chance Ego Trip on his return to the track.
Onyergo (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Held up, headway 6f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, caught close home, 2nd of 14, nk behind Saluscraggie (8-11) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) sft.
Bill Bennett (FR) 33-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, ridden and headway 3f out, never on terms, 5th of 14, 14l behind At The Money (8-10) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Melvino 7-2fav (9-12) Slowly into stride, towards rear, pushed along 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 5l behind Liberty Run (9-0) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.
Darghan (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 7th of 17, 6l behind High Treason (9-6) at Newbury 1m 3f app hcp (5) sft.
Ego Trip 13-2 (9-4) In touch, closed on bit over 3f out, joined winner entering final furlong, no extra near finish, 2nd of 14, hd behind Optimum (9-4) at Southwell 1m 6f hcap (6) fbs in Jul.
Mystical Ayr (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Behind, ridden, headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Dium Mac (9-1) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
Balwearie (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 8l behind Cleaver (9-7) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
Platinum Charmer (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 16l behind Luna Landing (9-8) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
