led, set steady pace, hard ridden, unable to quicken and headed final 100 yards
settled last, ridden and weakened over 2f out
mostly chased leader to halfway, ridden 3f out and soon weakened
prominent, went 2nd halfway, hard ridden over 2f out, 3rd and held when hampered approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, switched left and driven to challenge when veered badly left over 1f out, renewed challenge and ran on under pressure to lead final 100 yards
A low-grade handicap with the top-weight rated just 67. Ice Cracker and Ben Hur are of interest, but the vote goes handicap debutante Secluded, who looked as though he failed to stay 12-furlongs last time. A good-looking colt, he was in desperate need of both his outings at Wolverhampton back in June, and he hasn't been seen since failing to stay at Lingfield later in the month, having travelled well for much of the trip. He will be fresher than most at this time of year and the Handicapper looks to have given him every chance. Ben Hur finally got off the mark in a poor contest at Wolverhampton, but at least he confirmed his well-being and should still be competitive under his penalty. Ice Cracker finds it difficult to get her head in front, but is more than capable if the mood takes her, while others to consider include Mister Clinton, who will be better suited to this trip having not got home at Leicester on Tuesday over 10-furlongs and Fortune Point, who comes from a stable that is going through a purple patch at present, but we are happy to take a chance on the fitness of Secluded, who could prove to be a cut above these.
