tracked leaders, dropped mid-divison after 4f, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on, all out
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace
in touch, headway to lead after 3f, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened
always towards rear
in touch, took closer order half way, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened 1f out
always towards rear
held up behind, stayed on final 2f, never dangerous
prominent, led briefly 2f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, no extra
led for over 3f, chased leaders until 5f out, gradually weakened
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace
held up behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and good headway from 2f out, chased winner 1f out, stayed on well final 50 yards, just failed
A field where not too many are in red hot form and we are happy to side with Valance to score at the expense of course specialist Mana D'Argent and Moonshine Beach. The selection has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for his defeat of Don Fernando at Newmarket over this two mile trip last time out, but he was finding plenty that day and there is no reason to suggest he can't do the same again. He has not been beaten far in two previous defeats this season and that step up in trip clearly suited, so with the yard bang in form we take him to score. Ignore Mana D'Argent here at Ascot at your peril. All five of his career wins have come here, with four of them over course and distance, and as he is back on the same mark as his latest success, last season, we can probably dismiss much of his recent form and give him a big chance once more. Moonshine Beach is due to be raised 1lb very soon and does look to have a decent shout from his current mark after wins at Warwick and Bath recently. He does have form on fast ground in the past, stays well, and can be thereabouts at the finish. However there was much to like about Valance's win last time and he can follow up.