chased leader, ridden 2f out, led well inside final furlong, driven out
outpaced, headway 1f out, ran on, nearest at finish
chased leader, ridden halfway, not quicken inside final furlong
led, soon hung left, ridden over 1f out, headed, no extra well inside final furlong
chased leader, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
The booking of Jamie Spencer takes the eye for The Leather Wedge and this tough six-year-old gets the nod over Kings College Boy and Flur Na H Alba. That said, this is sure to be a tactical affair, so if will come as no surprise to see Neil Callan try and make this a good test aboard Million Percent. The last named is back on a handy mark after a frustrating couple of years without a win. Watch the market where he is concerned. Flying Ridge, who completes the line up, looked a fair prospect last season. But did not impress in either of her previous starts this term. She is best left alone until showing signs of a revival. Kings College Boy is sure to be a popular choice is small field like this and rates as the main threat to the selection. However, his yard have been struggling for winners in the last fortnight and, as he has already had a long campaign, he could be worth taking on. With The Leather Wedge making the most appeal. The Bob Johnson-trained gelding is a speedy sort when he is in the right frame of mind and, with Spencer doing the steering, he is expected to be hard to beat if he is allowed an easy lead.
Flur Na H Alba 12-1 (9-2) Always towards rear, 12th of 14, 13l behind Mr Wolf (9-13) at Pontefract 5f hcp (5) gd.
Kings College Boy 9-2jt-fav (9-2) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 14, 7l behind Mr Wolf (9-13) at Pontefract 5f hcp (5) gd.
Million Percent 13-2 (9-4) Raced centre, chased leaders, ridden and every chance 1f out, driven and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 2l behind Royal Challenge (9-7) at Yarmouth 6f hcp (5) gd.
The Leather Wedge (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Rudi's Pet (8-10) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Flying Ridge (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Towards rear, headway wide to chase leaders 3f out, soon ridden and weakened from 2f out, last of 11, 18l behind Pamir (9-4) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jul.