mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no headway, behind final 2f
always behind, lost touch over 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off
tracked leader, led 4f out, stayed on well when pressed from over 1f out, no extra, headed final 50 yards, lost 2nd final strides
in touch, ridden over 2f out, no progress over 1f out, one pace
tracked leaders, pressed leader entering final furlong, led final 50 yards, asserted towards finish
behind, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened 2f out
towards rear, raced keenly, headway 3f out, effort 2f out, no extra, one pace from over 1f out
always in rear, no chance final 2f
always behind, lost touch over 3f out, soon tailed off
took keen hold, held up 5th, ridden over 2f out, kept on, never nearer
led, headed 4f out, stayed chasing leader, every chance from over 1f out to well inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides
Western Roots can win again at the expense of Merrymadcap and Red Current. The selection was withdrawn from his engaged race earlier in the week because of the soft ground and will fair better on this faster surface. He is six pounds higher in the weights since winning at Newbury last time out. He has really recaptured his form this season after being winless throughout most of last year, so the fact that he is clearly enjoying life at present he is worth siding with once again. Merrymadcap returns to the track five pounds worse off since winning at Newbury last week. He has though in the past won off a higher mark albeit on the all weather so any market moves should be noted. Red Current comes from a yard hot in form at present and performed well in behind Merrymadcap last time out. He is more favourably treated this time around so could quite possibly reverse the placings, but for the winner we return to Western Roots.
Blacktoft (USA) 11-2 (9-7) Awkward leaving stalls, started very slowly, in rear, some headway from 2f out, never nearer, 8th of 10, 12l behind Wee Charlie Castle (8-7) at Sandown 1m 2f app hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Danetime Panther (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Led, pressed from 2f out, headed over 1f out, lost 3rd final stride, 4th of 8, 6l behind Curzon Prince (9-8) at Sandown 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Western Roots 2-1fav (10-8) Prominent, led over 5f out, stayed on gamely final 2f, held on well near finish, all out, won at Newbury 1m 2f amt hcp (5) gd beating Gallego (10-9) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Merrymadcap (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Prominent, chased leader 2f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, held on well, all out, won at Newbury 1m 1f app hcp (5) gs beating Red Current (8-12) by a nk, 10 ran.
Master Mahogany 11-4 (9-0) Tracked leaders, chased winner from over 2f out, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Dr Brass (9-1) at Bath 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Red Current 17-2 (8-12) Tracked leader, ridden to lead well over 2f out, stayed on under pressure, no extra when headed inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, nk behind Merrymadcap (9-3) at Newbury 1m 1f app hcp (5) gs.
Mythical Charm 20-1 (8-2) Raced wide towards rear, headway and stayed on from over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 10, 10l behind Merrymadcap (9-3) at Newbury 1m 1f app hcp (5) gs.
Bold Phoenix (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Held up, ridden over 4f out, no impression, 14th of 16, well behind Hallings Overture (8-12) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Ruffie (IRE) 28-1 (8-2) Tracked leaders on inside, ridden over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out, 9th of 10, 23l behind Merrymadcap (9-3) at Newbury 1m 1f app hcp (5) gs.
Bollywood (IRE) 40-1 (8-2) Towards rear over 4f out when brought down in race won by Inquisitress (8-5) at Kempton 1m app hcp (5) pol in Jul, 12 ran.
Admirals Way 4-1 (8-10) Pulled hard, in touch, effort when not clear run over 2f out, soon outpaced, ridden and kept on under pressure final furlong, no impression, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Devinius (8-5) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (5) sft.
