chased leaders, led 2f out, kept on well
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
led, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
close up, hung right over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, not quicken final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, one pace
in rear, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, driven along 3f out, one pace
in rear, never on terms
Top weight may not be a big enough barrier to stop HARLECH CASTLE and he can be fancied to make a bold attempt to make the long journey up from Whatcome a worthwhile venture; Mandalay King and Bertie Vista are also likely to be on the premises, while Chosen One is open to more improvement and, having won his last two starts in a game manner, he cannot be discounted. The last named is a speedy individual and has valuable experience of racing at this course. The son of Choisir is entered again at Nottingham tomorrow, so his connections are obviously keen on exploiting his talents before the BHA assessor intervenes. Bertie Vista is a more sporting choice, as he doesn't appear to be especially well handicapped just now. Still, he is consistent and has very little to find to make the frame. Mandalay King is also paying the price for his dependability but still needs to keep on improving. However, his latest start suggests he is now at the ceiling of his abilities and he needs a bit of luck on his side this afternoon. In contrast, Harlech Castle, who was started the season on a mark of 93, has been given a real chance from his current mark of 75 and, as a 4lb rise for his Nottingham success looks fair, Paul Cole's charge is taken as the best bet in this company.
Harlech Castle 11-2 (9-0) Towards rear, headway well over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs beating Nickel Silver (8-9) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Style Award 25-1 (8-13) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, driven and stayed on final furlong, 5th of 10, 5l behind Willkandoo (8-11) at Catterick 7f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Bespoke Boy 50-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, hard ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, well behind final furlong, last of 12, 26l behind Borasco (9-3) at Redcar 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Aug.
Chosen One (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (8-11) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Hamilton 6f 3yo hcp (5) sft in Sept beating Baronovici (8-4) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Splash The Cash 10-3 (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 14l behind Jaconet (8-5) at York 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Mandalay King (IRE) 5-2fav (8-4) Track leaders, ridden to chase winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind The Twelve Steps (8-10) at Thirsk 6f 3yo hcp (5) sft in Sept.
Feeling Fresh (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, soon outpaced behind, stayed on well final furlong, 7th of 13, 4l behind Harlech Castle (9-0) at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Bertie Vista 16-1 (8-8) With leaders, led entering final furlong, headed towards finish, 3rd of 20, 1 1/2l behind Strawberry Moon (9-2) at Redcar 7f 3yo hcp (5) gd.
Royal Acclamation (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on well, 5th of 16, 6l behind Music Box Express (8-8) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Sept.
Andrasta 33-1 (8-4) In touch, one pace from over 1f out, 9th of 13, 5l behind Harlech Castle (9-0) at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Tyfos 25-1 (8-10) Held up rear, well beaten over 1f out, last of 9, 8l behind Green Park (9-5) at Chester 5f hcap (4) gs in Sept.
Rascasse 66-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, soon outpaced and always behind, 9th of 11, 11l behind Todber (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp (6) gd in Sept.
