in touch, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, led over 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong
always behind, struggling from over 4f out, tailed off final 3
held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, weakened final 2
led, headed over 4f out, weakened final 3
in touch, ridden in every chance 2f out, until not quicken inside final furlong
behind, ridden and headway over 4f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon weakened, tailed off final 3
in touch, ridden over 2f out, every chance final furlong, one pace
prominent, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, stayed on final 2
mid-divison, reminders on outer over 4f out, soon weakened
slowly away, always behind, weakened over 4f out
chased leaders, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, no extra towards finish
behind, ridden and headway over 4f out, never troubled leaders
A poor event can go to Shaika who at least has recent winning form, with Phlaunt, House Martin, Iamback and Kentucky Bullet best of the remainder. Shaika opened her account at Yarmouth 12 days ago in selling company, coming from behind as is her want to win with something in hand. Now that she has got her head in front, George Prodrumu's filly should progress, and this race is well within her compass. Phlaunt has taken on better company on occasions in the past, and should be suited by this step up in trip, but she has disappointed in the main. House Martin has claims on his second in a non-selling handicap here in June, but as he has since been plying his trade at a lowly level over timber, may just find this trip on the short side, while both Iamback and Kentucky Bullet are well exposed. All in all, unless the market speaks otherwise, it is best to stick with the proven recent form of Shaika.
Blue Opal 16-1 (8-7) In touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, last of 10, 40l behind Acuzio (8-5) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (6) gf in Jun.
Gypsy Royal (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Always towards rear, 9th of 16, 6l behind Roman History (8-7) at Redcar 1m 2f sll hcp (6) gf in Sept.
House Martin 11-2 (9-6) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Thornaby Green (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 2f app hcp (6) frm in Jul.
Iamback 40-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 16, 32l behind Desert Storm (9-10) at Yarmouth 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Sept.
Kentucky Bullet (USA) 7-2 (8-11) Held up in rear, ridden headway over 2f out, one pace, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Yashin (8-11) at Southwell 1m 3f banded stk (7) fbs in May.
Nakwa (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Prominent, led 3f out until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 16l behind Kirkhammerton (8-12) at Southwell 1m 3f banded stk (7) fbs.
Phlaunt 25-1 (9-3) Mid-division, lost place over 4f out, stayed on again from over 1f out, 4th of 12, 8l behind Lunar River (8-12) at Bath 1m 2f mdn aut stk (6) gd.
Shaika 12-1 (8-11) Started slowly, headway over 3f out, led 2f out, ridden out, won at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo sll (6) sft beating Hill of Almhuim (8-12) by 2l, 15 ran.
