mid-division, chased along halfway, stayed on same pace final furlong
outpaced, never a factor
tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
in touch and pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out and one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong
outpaced, never on terms
towards rear and soon chased along, stayed on final furlong
prominent, driven over 2f out, ran on final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace until weakened final furlong
dwelt, soon mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
towards rear, never dangerous
There was a fair bit to like about the first couple of outings from Opera Writer, who is fancied to come good at the third time of asking. Kings Heir and Moody Tunes may prove to be the best of the rest. Having created a favourable impression in each of his previous starts, Moody Tunes looks the pick of Karl Burke's two runners. The son of Merdon Melody should appreciate this stiff finish and can ensure a strong pace if he is allowed an easy lead. He looks set for a mark in the low 70's on what he has achieved so far and can be placed to good effect from here. Kings Heir showed marked improvement on his latest start and is going the right way. He also looks certain to make his mark in nursery handicaps and is one to view with an eye to the future. It will also be interesting to note if any support come for Packing Hero, who has an eye-catching pedigree that is stacked with useful performers. Watch the market carefully were he is concerned. However, preference goes to Opera Writer on this occasion. The fitting of an eye-shield brought about an improved effort from the Rossini colt when he ran a solid race to finish third at Newcastle 11 days ago. The winner of that contest is a potentially smart type and, as Opera Writer was only three-quarters of a length adrift, he is fancied to be hard to beat with a similar effort today.
Angaric (IRE) 6-4fav (8-12) Led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, faded final furlong, 6th of 7, 6l behind Mullaad (8-12) at Newcastle 5f nov stk (5) gd in May.
Danetime Lord (IRE) 28-1 (9-0) Mid-division, driven along over 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 14l behind Power Politics (9-0) at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Grazeon Gold Blend 25-1 (9-0) Behind, some late headway, never near to challenge, 4th of 8, 10l behind Power Politics (9-0) at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Kings Heir (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Mid-division, soon pushed along, headway under pressure 2f out, stayed on to have every chance inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 12, shd behind Viva Volta (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf.
Moody Tunes 12-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Bingo One (8-2) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Jun.
Naughty Nod (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 13l behind Gallery Girl (8-6) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd.
Opera Writer (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) In touch far side, disputed lead over 1f out, ridden and kept on until no extra towards finish, 3rd of 18, 1 1/2l behind Just Intersky (9-0) at Newcastle 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) gd.
Packing Hero (USA) 10-1 (9-0) Keen hold, steady towards rear, headway on inside 2f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Celebration Song (9-0) at Folkestone 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Countess Carmine 100-1 (8-10) Behind, outpaced over 3f out, 14th of 17, 11l behind Flashy Wings (8-10) at York 5f 2yo fll Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Ditton Dancer Danehill Dancer filly, half-sister to the useful Ela-Aristokrati.
Silver Bank 50-1 (8-11) Towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 12l behind Qusoor (8-11) at Ripon 5f 2yo mdn fll (4) gf in Jul.