dwelt, towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, no impression final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and no extra final furlong
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, ran on to regain lead inside final furlong, kept on (hand-timed)
held up behind leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, steadied over 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, soon beaten
dwelt and always behind
held up, effort 2f out, ridden and stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, led briefly entering final furlong, headed and stayed on same pace
This is a very tight affair, and any number can be considered but Tantric might just be able to land the hat-trick. Having won twice at Carlisle, the selection's rating has risen from 48 to 70. The fact that his rider can claim seven pounds inclines us towards his chances, and following a horse in form at this time of year often pays dividends. Turning to the others, Cryfield, a course winner, needs a career-best effort to win this, as does Efidium. Marshallspark has been in pretty good form all summer but might have to settle for a place again. Mehmaas has a few pounds to find at these weights. Noble Nick has shown little in three starts this year but holds a shout on winning form last April. Sharp Hat did well earlier in the year but is another that might have to settle for a place at best. Young Alex is weighted to beat Bailieborough on Folkestone form last time, and the lightly-raced Pop Up Again is entitled to be improving so will also have supporters. Distant Country is interesting in that he is a lightly-raced runner from the Lynda Ramsden stable. He has shown little in three starts in France but a market move for him might pay to be heeded. All in all, though, in another intriguing affair, we'll opt for the hat-trick-seeking Tantric.
