held up, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, ran on strongly to lead inside final furlong, kept on
mid-division, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
in touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden when weakening final furlong
in touch, driven along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, hampered when weakening 2f out, eased
dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
dwelt, soon chasing leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
Dream Tonic, Epicurean and Salinger are three against the field in this competitive handicap and the vote is given to Epicurean. The selection won well last time out when beating Dante's Diamond and although he has a penalty for that win he won a shade cozily and under similar conditions here he is taken to win again. Dream Tonic rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when beating Aggravation but consistency is not his strong point and at likely odds he looks worth opposing. Salinger is another worthy of respect on his best form but he pulled to hard for his own good over seven furlongs last time and he will need to switch off if he is to see out this even longer trip. Passionately Royal would have a chance on her early season form but has ran as if in the handicappers grip of late. Of the remainder Orpendonna has dropped to a handy mark and is from a shrewd yard so could go well at a price but for the winner we return to Epicurean.
Salinger (USA) 12-1 (9-6) Started slowly, raced far side, took keen hold, always behind, 20th of 24, 16l behind Mine Behind (10-3) at Newbury 7f ldy rds hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Dream Tonic Evensfav (8-11) Held in mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, ran on final furlong, comfortably, won at Salisbury 1m clm (5) gf in Jul beating Aggravation (8-9) by 4l, 9 ran.
Epicurean 13-2 (8-10) Behind, pushed along halfway, headway over 2f out, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Catterick 7f 3yo mdn aut (6) gf in Jul beating Dante's Diamond (9-0) by 3l, 7 ran.
Dante's Diamond (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Tracked winner, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 10l behind H Harrison (9-1) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Viable 15-2 (8-12) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 14th of 16, 15l behind Mickehaha (8-5) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Passionately Royal 7-1 (9-2) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 14th of 16, 16l behind Brace of Doves (9-1) at Chester 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Orpendonna (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, outpaced towards rear, 9th of 13, 18l behind Society Music (9-5) at Haydock 1m 3yo fll hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Wayward Shot (IRE) 40-1 (8-4) Chased leaders, driven along 3f out, soon beaten, 9th of 10, 18l behind Baylaw Star (9-2) at Beverley 1m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
