in rear, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, no impression over 1f out
made all, rider dropped whip over 1f out, kept on, pushed out
held up and keen, weakened 3f out
tracked winner, ridden over 3f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, one pace
CAPABLE GUEST is narrowly preferred here to Traphalgar and Tufton is what looks a very competitive claimer. Although he has a bit to find at the weights, the 67-rated Capable Guest comes here in fair form and jockey Tony Culhane has won on him before. There looks to be plenty of pace on in the race which should suit and he looks sure to give backers a good run for their money. Oddsmaker is a course and distance winner and Maurice Barnes' experienced eight-year-old will appreciate the step back up in trip, Birkside has a very good record in races of this ilk, whilst Traphalgar chases a hat-trick after wins at Leicester and Redcar and his new trainer does exceedingly well in this sphere. Tufton rates a big danger; he has been in good form in the second half of this season and is another who revels in this grade. Lost Soldier Three is the other we need to consider. The market should help guide to the chance of the Dandy Nicholls inmate, however his form has not been too hot this season, something that is reflected in his current mark of 72, the lowest of his career. A quality race with some old favourites in, and marginal preference is for Capable Guest.
Birkside 5-2fav (9-3) Held up, headway on inside 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Ahmedy (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Capable Guest (IRE) 5-1fav (9-13) Prominent chasing group, headway 3f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, stayed on same pace under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Warne's Way (9-11) at Newbury 1m 4f ladies hcap (5) sft.
Oddsmaker (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final 2f, 5th of 8, 13l behind Emirates Champion (9-5) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Tufton 15-2 (9-5) Held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon not much room, one pace, 8th of 14, 5l behind Applaude (9-5) at Ayr 1m 2f sell stks (4) gs in Sep.
Boy Racer (IRE) 50-1 (9-8) Dwelt, outpaced, well behind halfway, tailed off, last of 10, 39l behind Ishiadancer (9-5) at Redcar 7f mdn stks 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Lost Soldier Three (IRE) 2-1fav (9-9) Held up mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on, no impression, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Drum Dragon (8-9) at Catterick 1m 4f app clm stks (6) gd.
Ballade de La Mer 16-1 (8-1) Slowly into stride, held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 13l behind John Forbes (9-9) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Aug.
Traphalgar (IRE) 15-8fav (9-6) Held up mid-division, headway to lead 3f out, under pressure 2f out, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Redcar 1m 2f sell stks (5) gf beating Mount Hermon (9-0) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
