tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden to challenge after next, kept on well
led until after 2nd, remained prominent, ridden after 5th, soon lost place, rallied 2 out, faded before last
prominent, led after 2nd, not fluent 5th, mistake last, ran on well
tracked leaders, mistake 3out, soon hard driven, weakened before next
Only four face the starter here but it's an interesting little contest. Kashmir Peak would certainly have a chance on past form but he's been out of sorts on the Flat lately. Red Merlin has won half of his 10 starts over timber and made a pleasing return from injury at Uttoxeter. Street Entertainer beat ITTIRAD over a slightly longer trip at Fontwell in May but the latter is 4lb better off now and should turn the tables - he gets a narrow vote today.
Red Merlin (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division on inside, headway 6th, challenged 2 out, every chance last, hung left flat, bumped towards finish, stayed on, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Dubawi Phantom (10-2) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Jun.
Kashmir Peak (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Held up mid-division, ridden before 2 out, never dangerous, 12th of 22, 17l behind Court Minstrel (11-12) at Aintree 2m cond hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Ittirad (USA) 2-1fav (11-7) Chased leader, challenged 4th, led next, pushed along when joined and hit 2 out, headed last, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Detroit Red (11-6) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Jul.
Street Entertainer (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Tracked leading pair, 2nd 3 out, ridden and every chance when not fluent 2 out, soon lost 2nd, no extra, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Detroit Red (11-6) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Jul.
