slowly into stride and soon tailed off, never on terms
led, ridden 3f out, soon headed and gradually weakened
held up, ridden 3f out, some late headway final furlong, nearest finish
prominent, led over 2f out, soon ridden and kept on well
towards rear, ridden and headway over 4f out, kept on over 1f out, not reached leader
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out and weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out and soon one pace
This looks to lie between Imperial Echo and the newcomers Kentmere, Cassiodorus and Raheed, and, of these, we prefer Kentmere. Mark Johnston has always to be respected in these types of events and the selection, a half-brother to the useful Prior's Lodge, might be good enough to win first time up. Ed Dunlop is responsible for both Cassiodorus and Raheed. The former is by Efisio out of an In The Wings mare, while the latter, who is by Daggers Drawn out of an AP Indy mare, cost 60,000 guineas as a yearling. The betting market might provide clues as to their chances. Imperial Echo has shown in three starts that he is well up to winning a race of this nature and will not go down without a fight. His fourth to Cop Hill Lad at Pontefract in May has worked out well. Mark Johnston supplied the second in that race so should have a good line on the relative merits of his representative here. Once again, the betting might provide clues. Mick Channon's Erte was very disappointing at Chepstow on Monday after showing promise on his Newmarket debut. He is quite well thought of at home so could go well. Overall, though, we'll stick with Kentmere.