held up in rear, raced keenly, shaken up and well beaten over 1f out
pressed leader, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, unable to quicken when lost 2nd when well inside final furlong
mid-division, headway well over 1f out, ridden to challenge when edged left well inside final furlong, ran on to lead towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden and unable to quicken inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in last, always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong but not pace of leaders
went slightly right start, held up, raced keenly, effort over 1f out, no impression
waited with in touch, switched right over 1f out, not clear run inside final furlong, switched right and ran on
led, ridden over 1f out, headed towards finish
The best race of the evening looks the most wide open, but we fancy ESOTERICA can complete a hat-trick, with the main dangers likely to be Ponty Rossa and Fireside. Jim Goldie's gelding carries a penalty after winning at Ayr last week, when he also had an extra six pounds to carry following a previous victory there. It's a good opportunity to try for further success before going up the weights. All his career wins have come during the summer months, and he sets a decent standard here as far as recent consistent form is concerned. Fireside is among the least exposed, with just four races to his name. Well down the field in the Doncaster Spring Mile on seasonal debut after last seen trailing in last in the 2000 Guineas last year, he's clearly got some ability. He's got top weight to carry, but may have found his level here. he's Michael Jarvis' only runner on the card. Ponty Rossa is aiming to follow up a six furlongs win last time out; he's proved versatile over trip and in different conditions, and wouldn't be inconvenienced if the forecast rain comes. Lowther is the least exposed, with this his second run and handicap debut after winning at 100 to 1 at Yarmouth recently. Don't expect anything like that sort of price again, but this is a big step up from that contest. Clive Cox has got his string in fine form with Secret Night having a decent season, and she should go well from a low draw. It's one of those races where we wouldn't be surprised whatever wins it, but we'll side with Esoterica.
Fireside 4-1fav (9-7) Tracked leaders stands side, lost place over 2f out, eased when beaten final furlong, 19th of 21, 37l behind Manassas (9-7) at Doncaster 1m hcp (4yo+) (2) gf in Mar.
Ponty Rossa (IRE) 3-1fav (9-0) Chased leaders, hard driven to lead inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Ripon 6f flls hcp 0-130 (3) gs in May beating Wise Melody (9-6) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Lowther 100-1 (9-12) In touch, joined leader 2f out, soon ridden, led final 100 yards, won at Yarmouth 1m mdn stks (5) gd in May beating Big Bay (9-0) by hd, 12 ran.
Guilded Warrior 33-1 (8-3) Prominent, switched to centre group after 1f, weakened over 2f out, 23rd of 27, 20l behind Swift Gift (8-5) at Ascot 7f hcp (2) gf in May.
Gallantry 16-1 (8-10) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 5, 20l behind Cadre (8-9) at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gf in May.
Esoterica (IRE) 5-2fav (9-2) Held up, headway on inner over 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Ezdeyaad (8-13) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Boy Blue 10-1 (9-11) In touch, led over 2f out, driven and headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 13, 1 1/4l behind Wovoka (9-9) at Doncaster 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in May.
Secret Night 10-1 (8-9) Mid-division, headway 2f out, soon ridden to chase winner, kept on, always held inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Good Again (8-4) at Ascot 1m fll hcp (2) gf in May.
Stevie Gee (IRE) 22-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 8l behind Celtic Sultan (8-13) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in May.
Jeninsky (USA) 12-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, stayed on final 2f, never troubled leaders, 7th of 13, 8l behind Il Grande Maurizio (8-13) at Kempton 7f hcp (3) pol in Oct.
Barons Spy (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Raced wide, in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 7l behind Roaring Forte (9-4) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in May.
Fiefdom (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Raced keenly, held up behind mid-division, losing place over 2f out, kept on again final furlong, not trouble leaders, 5th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Last Three Minutes (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in May.
