chased leaders, driven 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
prominent, chased leader 3f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, headed final 100 yards, kept on
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up in touch, driven to leading pair over 1f out, ran on to lead final 100 yards
pressed leader to 3f out, soon behind
slowly into stride, behind, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, driven halfway, soon behind
led, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
behind, some headway final furlong but no danger
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nan Scurry, Meikle Barfil and Dr Zalo are selected as the three against the field and Meikle Barfil just edges the decision. Roger Charlton's colt has performed with credit in three runs to date, culminating in a decent second to the progressive Bowness at Wolverhampton. There could be more improvement to come and he looks the best option here. Dr Zalo has the beating of the selection on Newbury running back in May. There was about four lengths between them in that contest won by El Rey Del Mambo, but Meikle Barfil appears to have improved since then and is expected to reverse the form. Nan Scurry is no world beater and disappointed last time when losing out to a horse rated 47. However her previous effort at Salisbury reads well and she should be capable of making the frame. Best of the remainder could be Navigation, but Meikle Barfil looks to have more scope for improvement than his main rivals and so just gets our vote.
Dr Zalo 6-1 (9-7) Went left start, held up, ridden 2f out, hung left, ran green, last of 8, 8l behind Bold Cheverak (8-7) at Brighton 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Navigation (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Pressed leader, joined leader 3f out, every chance from over 1f out to inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Calabaza (9-0) at Goodwood 6f mdn aut stk (4) gd in Aug.
Storm Centre Pivotal gelding, half-brother to numerous winners on the Flat and over jumps.
Catheriniski (IRE) Danetime filly out of a lightly-raced maiden.
Maple Branch (USA) 33-1 (8-2) Came stands' side to race alone 6f out, beaten halfway, last of 17, well behind Make It Happen Now (8-2) at Leicester 7f stk (7) sft in May.
Nan Scurry (FR) 6-4fav (8-11) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Binty (8-11) at Yarmouth 6f 3yo mdn fll (5) gf in Aug.
Meikle Barfil 5-2 (9-0) With leaders, led over 3f out, ridden 1f out, headed close home, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Bowness (8-9) at W'hampton 6f mdn stk (5) pol in Jun.
Rapid River 10-1 (8-9) Raced with leader, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Born For Dancing (8-9) at Beverley 5f mdn stk (5) gs in Aug.
