held up, ridden along and headway over 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish
mid-division, effort halfway, no impression
towards rear, ridden along halfway, some late headway, never reached challenging position
never better than mid-division
led, driven over 1f out, kept on final furlong until headed close home
prominent, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
always rear division
prominent, driven to go 2nd over 1f out, kept on final furlong to lead close home
towards rear, headway 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, effort over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
dwelt and towards rear, never on terms
mid-division, ridden along halfway, soon beaten
A competitive handicap where the short list comprises Lap Of Honour, Esoterica, Turn Me On and Gap Princess and the vote goes to Lap Of Honour. Jennie Candlish has her string in great shape and this Danehill Dancer gelding came back to form at Leicester over this trip last time out, when just outpointed by Bold Cross. A 1lb rise shouldn't make too much difference, fast ground suits and from a good pitch in stall three he can go one better. Esoterica is a victim of his own consistency. He has not won in 12 starts since August of last year, but by maintaining good form in defeat he is still 8lb higher than that last winning mark and despite being very effective over 7f on fast ground he is likely to find one too good. Turn Me On was a c&d scorer in May and races from the same mark here as when just held at Beverley last time so has plenty going for him and is respected. Gap Princess is another very consistent performer. She won over 6f at Carlisle five weeks or so ago and has twice gone close since. The return to seven furlongs does not look ideal, however, and she is opposed. Carmenero is another who can get competitive but looks in need of a drop in the weights and Al Samha is the most interesting of the remainder and is very much still a potential improver at this trip. Even so, Lap Of Honour can do just that after victory here.
Countdown 22-1 (9-3) Towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression, 9th of 16, 10l behind Osteopathic Remedy (9-4) at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Jun.
Lap of Honour (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Led, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Bold Cross (8-12) at Leicester 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Carmenero (GER) 8-1 (9-1) In touch, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on, never able to challenge, 4th of 8, 1l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Hiccups 13-2 (9-2) Held up in rear, raced keenly, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, last of 8, 6l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Kings Point (9-6) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Nuit Sombre (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Held up and keen, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 6l behind Wigwam Willie (9-4) at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Al Samha (USA) 16-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 6l behind House (9-4) at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Champain Sands (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, keen hold in rear, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 4l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Gap Princess (IRE) 9-4fav (9-9) Chased leader, ridden 2f out, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Overwing (9-8) at Leicester 6f fll hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Turn Me On (IRE) 13-2 (8-11) Held up, ridden along and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Shotley Mac (8-11) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Joshua's Gold (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Zabeel Tower (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Kunte Kinteh 8-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, soon outpaced, 7th of 12, 7l behind Zabeel Tower (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Ducal Regancy Duke 50-1 (9-12) Led, headed after 3f, remained in touch, effort 3f out, soon beaten, 7th of 11, 19l behind Prince Kalamoun (9-0) at Redcar 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
Esoterica (IRE) 10-11fav (7-12) Tracked leaders and keen, not clear run over 2f out, close 3rd when badly hampered inside final furlong, not recover, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Flying Bantam (8-6) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
