held up in rear, headway over 3f out, never dangerous
always prominent, led over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, ran on well
mid-division, headway over 2f out, never able to challenge
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer
led until over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression
behind until late headway, never nearer
mid-division, under pressure halfway, chased leaders over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out
Menelik steps up a couple of grades after winning at Wolverhampton last week but both Our Boy Jack and Jinky were placed in similar company last time and can race off the same marks today. Fieldgunner Kirkup would prefer some cut in the ground while Alejandro is proving hard to win with having failed to score since 2011. TWENTY ONE CHOICE was burdened with an 8lb rise after landing a four-timer at Kempton in April but wasn't beaten far when fifth at Ascot to the progressive Rockalong. This is less competitive and Ed De Giles charge may not have finished winning yet.
Fieldgunner Kirkup (GER) 9-1 (9-7) Keen close up on outer until dropped to rear over 5f out, headway and not clear entering final furlong, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Rasaman (9-4) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Alejandro (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Tracked winner, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 2 3/4l behind Snow Bay (9-0) at Chester 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
Twenty One Choice (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 18, 1 1/4l behind Rockalong (9-6) at Ascot 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
The Nifty Fox 8-1 (9-11) Mid-division, took keen hold, ridden and effort over 1f out, not able to get on terms, 4th of 8, 4l behind Red Baron (8-13) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Our Boy Jack (IRE) 6-1 (9-12) Led 1f, tracked leaders, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed and no extra towards finish, 3rd of 15, 2l behind West Leake Hare (9-2) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Jinky 10-1 (9-2) In touch in rear, headway 2f out, ridden and every chance entering final furlong, stayed on one pace, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Rasaman (9-4) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Orpsie Boy (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 7, 3l behind Rasaman (9-4) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Menelik (IRE) 3-1fav (9-5) Went right start, chased leaders, pushed along halfway, outpaced over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, stayed on to lead final 100 yards, won at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Glenridding (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Mowhoob 9-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon pushed along, ridden inside final furlong, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 6l behind Sand Boy (9-1) at Ayr 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
