mid-division, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon one pace
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong
held up, smooth headway from over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, challenged entering final furlong, driven and no extra close home
held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden 4f out, led well over 1f out, kept on gamely under pressure final furlong
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
led, ridden 3f out, headed well over 1f out, gradually weakened
The handicapper still does not look to have the measure of LET IT BE and Keith Reveley's mare can complete a five-timer here at the main expense of Wells Lyrical. The selection relishes a sound surface and a test of stamina, and gets both here. Those four wins spread over the past couple of months have seen her rise 16lb in the weights, but her most recent win was still plenty comfortable enough and she probably has the ability to handle this next hike up. If there is one to lower her colours then it may be Wells Lyrical. Bryan Smart's colt is still lightly raced and now stepped up to this trip for the first time you would have to say that further improvement is entirely possible. He will act on the ground and a big performance is anticipated. Don't underestimate Danzatrice here at Musselburgh. She has landed three of her six career wins here, two over this trip, and she is better than the form of her last run when stuck in the mud, so she can go well. If this were purely about horses for courses then Kyber would be a shoo-in. Jim Goldie's gelding has won six of his seven races here, twice over this trip, and he can run his race though may just have a few pounds too many on his back. Forrest Flyer is game and consistent and would not be winning out of turn, while It's Moon is from a yard going well with limited ammunition and is respected. Let It Be can call the tune today.
Cotton Eyed Joe (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden along 3f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Aug.
Let It Be 5-1 (9-7) Held up mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, smooth headway 2f out, quickened to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong, won at Catterick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug beating Mr Crystal (9-13) by 2l, 12 ran.
Gordonsville 9-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden 3f out, soon chased leaders, one pace, 4th of 8, 5l behind Tarkheena Prince (9-3) at Ayr 1m 5f hcap (3) hvy.
Danzatrice 11-2 (9-9) In rear, effort over 2f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 12, 17l behind Merchant of Dubai (8-9) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcap (5) sft.
Wells Lyrical (IRE) 6-4fav (9-2) Tracked leader, smooth headway to challenge over 4f out, lost place until kept on from over 1f out to lead inside final furlong, won at Hamilton 1m 3f mdn stk (5) gd in Jul beating Buddhist Monk (9-2) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Kyber 7-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, kept on final furlong, 4th of 12, 8l behind Merchant of Dubai (8-9) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcap (5) sft.
Its Moon (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Chased leader, led over 4f out, headed over 2f out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Merchant of Dubai (8-9) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcap (5) sft.
Forrest Flyer (IRE) 12-1 (8-5) Led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Chookie Hamilton (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) sft.
