prominent far side, ridden over 3f out, stayed on final furlong
overall leader and led stands side, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, stayed on same pace
slowly into stride and held up far side, ridden over 3f out, no impression
chased leader far side, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out
prominent stands side, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong
always outpaced towards rear stands side, no impression
prominent stands side, ridden over 3f out, headway and challenged over 1f out, led 1f out, pushed out comfortably
prominent far side, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch stands side, ridden 2f out, kept on well under hands and heels final furlong
chased leader stands side, ridden over 3f out, challenged 1f out, kept on
led far side, ridden over 2f out, drifted left from over 1f out, stayed on one pace
prominent stands side, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
always outpaced and behind stands side
A competitive sprint, with many in with chances, but the pin fell against the name of Special Lad. This is probably Special Lad's best trip and the juice in the going should present no problem. In a race of many imponderables, he holds good enough claims. Hewaraat scrambled home from Councellor (who has won since and is preferred today) at Epsom and is closely weighted with Oakbridge based on earlier maiden form. Coconut Squeak is hammering at a door that will not open for him, while a three-pounds rise for a Sandown win should not stop Chinalea from running well, although Ingleton is five pounds better off for just over three lengths based on that race. Ocean Gift was noted staying on well last time and the extra furlong today makes him interesting, while Wrighty Almighty has something to prove now following a couple of disappointing runs. A six-pounds rise might bring Fisberry's winning run to an end, but recent course and distance winner Angel Sprints' form stacks up and she can go well. Finally, Bird Over has earned the right to topweight and, being proven on give, is respected. Overall, though, the vote goes to Special Lad.
Bird Over 11-2 (9-3) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, headed, not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Algharb (8-8) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Angel Sprints 9-2 (9-2) Always prominent, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, held on gamely, won at Goodwood 6f fll hcp (4) gf beating Pine Bay (8-8) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Fisberry 12-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, headway when switched left over 2f out, strong run under pressure to lead on the line, won at Windsor 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun beating Auwitesweetheart (9-5) by a shd, 10 ran.
Wrighty Almighty (IRE) 3-1fav (9-6) Dwelt, held up, improved halfway, ridden over 1f out, kept on, never able to challenge, 5th of 10, 2l behind Dancing Rose (8-13) at Newmarket 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Ingleton 4-1 (9-5) Raced on outside, held up, kept on final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders, 5th of 8, 3l behind Chinalea (8-4) at Sandown 5f 3yo hcp (4) sft.
Oakbridge (IRE) 10-3 (8-12) Settled in rear, bumped soon after start, took keen hold, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, last of 5, 9l behind Outer Hebrides (9-3) at Salisbury 7f stk 0-80 (4) gs.
Ocean Gift 16-1 (8-2) Behind, ridden halfway, stayed on well final furlong, 6th of 14, 3l behind Folga (8-5) at York 5f 3yo hcp (2) gd.
Chinalea (IRE) 7-1 (8-4) Held up, headway under pressure approaching final furlong, edged left inside final furlong, ran on to lead final strides, won at Sandown 5f 3yo hcp (4) sft beating Zowington (9-2) by a hd, 8 ran.
Councellor (FR) 11-8fav (9-0) Held up, ridden halfway, headway to chase leader over 2f out, edged left final furlong, ran on to lead post, won at Epsom 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd beating Sparkwell (9-0) by a nk, 7 ran.
Coconut Squeak 7-2fav (9-6) In touch, edged left halfway, chased winner final furlong, kept on well, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Portmeirion (8-6) at Lingfield 6f fll hcp (5) gf.
Special Lad Evensfav (8-12) Raced keenly, tracked leader, led narrowly over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind The Bonus King (9-0) at Carlisle 7f stk 0-65 (5) gf.
Hewaraat (IRE) 6-4fav (9-0) Tracking leaders when not clear run over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, hung left under pressure, just held on, all out, won at Epsom 6f mdn stk (5) gd beating Councellor (9-0) by a shd, 7 ran.
Daniella 7-1 (8-10) Switched far side 5f out, prominent, led over 1f out, driven out, won at Yarmouth 6f 3yo fll hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Golband (7-10) by a nk, 13 ran.
Sandy's Legend (USA) 11-1 (8-8) Prominent in chasing group, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 17, 11l behind Hawk Arrow (8-8) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gf in May.
El Rey Del Mambo (USA) 15-2 (9-5) Led until headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 10, 4 1/2l behind The Coires (9-2) at Salisbury 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf.
