tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
in rear, headway and switched right entering final furlong, ran on, unable to reach winner
always prominent, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, took keen hold in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, no impression
held up in rear, switched left 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression towards finish
BATELEUR can take care of Tongalooma and Fathey in the process of landing the last. Our pick won nicely last time at Ayr, coming from a long way back in a race run to suit those laying up with the pace, and a 4lb rise may underestimate his superiority. Not only that, the gelding remains 3lbs below his previous winning mark and is a real six furlong specialist who has conditions to suit, so it'll be disappointing if he can't go close with confidence restored. Unexposed Tongalooma is no world-beater but James Moffatt's filly ran well last time and could improve for the step up in trip. She's won once already from just seven starts and appears to have started life in handicap company off a rating that should see her pick up a small race. Fathey won his maiden here and has shown a strong liking for the course since, so has to be considered despite six furlongs being on the sharp side. He went well for a long way behind a previous winner at Beverley last time and off the same mark is expected to run well. Ace Of Spies won over five furlongs here three starts back and the extra furlong - that was over five - plays into his hands. However, the top weight was readily held in a claimer last time and returns to handicap ranks 8lbs higher, enough for us to look elsewhere. Aqua Vitae cost 130,000gns as a juvenile but clearly isn't as good as his price tag indicates and can be opposed until the handicapper eases his burden as we return to the in-form Bateleur.
Ace of Spies (IRE) 10-1 (8-10) Led, headed 4f out, regained lead over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, weakened towards finish, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Abbondanza (9-2) at Ripon 6f clm stks (5) gd.
Bateleur 5-2fav (9-3) Held up in touch, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, driven out, won at Ayr 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Minturno (9-9) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Botham (USA) 16-1 (8-5) Soon outpaced, never a factor, 6th of 7, 9l behind Tangerine Trees (9-6) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Two Turtle Doves (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 14, 8l behind Ivestar (10-7) at Hamilton 6f am hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Fathey (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Always prominent, ridden 3f out, ran on inisde final furlong, held last stride, 3rd of 12, 1/2l behind Polish World (9-4) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Tongalooma 9-1 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Silvanus (9-6) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in May.
Cross of Lorraine (IRE) 50-1 (8-3) Dwelt, tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 16l behind Polish World (7-11) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Aqua Vitae (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) Towards rear, soon pushed along, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 5th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Red Scintilla (9-3) at Warwick 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Monte Mayor One 14-1 (8-10) Raced in rear, chased leaders halfway, effort over 1f out, never able to challenge, 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Bateleur (9-3) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Obe One 40-1 (8-3) Slowly into stride, in rear and outpaced, last of 11, 25l behind Almaty Express (8-0) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
