prominent, led over 1f out, soon challenged, stayed on well
slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
led, hit far rail and lost momentum over 1f out, soon headed, rallied inside final furlong, no extra closing stages
mid-division, headway on inside over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, never on terms
in touch, headway over 2f out, challenging when hung right over 1f out, soon every chance, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, switched left over 1f out, no impression
held up towards rear, beaten well over 2f out
tracked leader, effort over 2f out, lost place over 1f out
Strong Steps was beaten only a nose at Ayr attempting to end a long losing run but just the one win in 41 starts on Turf tempers enthusiasm. Dubai Acclaim finished runner-up at Doncaster last month but fast ground is a worry for him and the same comment applies to Iconic Code, who finished runner-up over track and trip last time with SET IN STONE in close attendance. The latter may finally have fallen far enough down the weights to get her head back in front and the Irish-trained mare gets the vote. Zoravan has failed to build on earlier placed efforts at Carlisle while Alexandrakollontai could only finish third of four in last year’s renewal.
Set In Stone (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, outpaced when switched left inside final 2f, stayed on and every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1l behind Rosemay (8-12) at Hamilton 1m hcp fll (5) gd in Jul.
Dubai Acclaim (IRE) 6-1 (8-6) In touch in mid-division, headway 4f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, not pace of winner, kept on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Storm Ahead (8-9) at Doncaster 1m hcp (4) sft in Jun.
Zoravan (USA) 7-1 (9-2) Rear division, ridden final furlong, kept on and no impression, 6th of 12, 5 1/4l behind Gabrial The Tiger (9-3) at Chester 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Equidae 4-1jfav (9-13) Raced keenly, chased leader on inside until halfway, chased leading pair, no impression final furlong, lost 3rd final stride, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Bee Machine (8-11) at Thirsk 7f hcp (5) gs in Jun.
Strong Steps 8-1 (9-5) Towards rear, headway under pressure over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well inside final furlong, pressed winner near finish, just failed, 2nd of 10, shd behind Alfa McGuire (9-12) at Ayr 1m hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Iconic Code 9-2 (9-13) Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, driven over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, ridden to lead narrowly inside final furlong, headed and not pace of winner towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Rosemay (8-12) at Hamilton 1m hcp fll (5) gd in Jul.
Alexandrakollontai (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Led early, held up, outpaced over 2f out, no impression, last of 6, 7 1/4l behind Ivory Charm (8-9) at Hamilton 1m hcp fll (5) gs in May.
Jo's Girl (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Always towards rear, outpaced over 2f out, 13th of 14, 17l behind Verdigris (8-12) at Redcar 1m hcp (5) gf in May.
Kentuckyconnection (USA) 8-1 (9-11) Behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 14, 3 1/4l behind Inner Circle (9-12) at Thirsk 7f hcp (5) gf in Jul.
