held up in rear, switched left over 2f out, soon challenging, led over 1f out, well in command final furlong, eased near finish
chased leaders to 3f out, weakened quickly, eased, tailed off
held up, pushed along and beaten entering straight
held up in 5th, headway to track leading pair over 2f out, soon ridden and not quicken, rallied inside final furlong, just missed 2nd
led at strong pace, headed 2f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden, went left and headed over 1f out, no impression on winner final furlong
William Blake, Buccellati and King's Event are the three that appeal most with the Stoute runner selected. Much was expected from Buccellati this season following some strong performances last term; he has run some sound races in defeat and being dropped a couple of pounds won't hurt either. He's far from an easy ride though and usually appreciates plenty of cover in a big field which may not be possible in this race which is the smallest field that he has ever encountered. Mark Johnston has won this race with some smart performers in recent years and William Blake threatened to fit that billing earlier in the year. He lost his way a little but bounced back under a positive ride last time and it would be no surprise to see him try and slip this field. King's Event has his race fitness to prove but there should be a deal more to come from him this season and his trainer has a fine record with older horses. He signed off for last year with a fair third to Heaven Knows on his first run at this trip from a 1lb higher mark. He has been favourite on all career starts so presumably shows plenty at home; it's time for him to deliver now and this event can go the way of King's Event.
Buccellati 13-2 (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway and hung left over 2f out, stayed on, not trouble leaders, 5th of 15, 7l behind Mad Rush (9-7) at Haydock 1m 4f hcap (2) sft.
Sahrati 16-1 (9-2) Broke well, steadied into mid-division, headway 3f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun beating Come On Jonny (9-8) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Kayak (SAF) 8-1 (9-10) Led, headed 6f out, led again 4f out, headed 2f out, weakened quickly, 12th of 13, 45l behind Sahrati (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
King's Event (USA) 10-3jt-fav (8-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra and edged right inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 4l behind Heaven Knows (9-0) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Oct.
Press The Button (GER) 10-3 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed over 3f out, rallied to lead over 1f out, kept on gamely, won at Salisbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Mazaaya (9-3) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
William Blake 9-1 (9-1) Soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, battled on, no extra, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Goodwood Starlight (9-0) at Ascot 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
