tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, just held on
held up in touch, outpaced over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
pulled hard, tracked leaders, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened, eased inside final furlong
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, rallied final furlong, just held
held up, headway on outside over 3f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on final furlong
BAB AL SALAM can continue to carry all before him with Larkham and Rosika the potential dangers. The handicapper hasn't taken too harsh a view of the colt's wins at Sandown and Lingfield as he's only risen by increments of 5lbs. It's true that he did enjoy the run of the race last time out but he still appeals as being well enough treated to score again. Rosika has been absent since disappointing at Haydock in a competitive handicap. She drops back in trip and could fare better but she has something to prove in this company from this mark. Larkham is a tough sort who digs deep for his jockey; as a result he has only edged up the weights and he can win again from his revised mark but the selection may just prove to be a cut above. Dubai Crest is difficult to catch right, Rumble Of Thunder and Souter Point rising in the weights in defeat but Norwegian Dancer is better than he was able to show at Lingfield and can get into the shake-up. This is competitive but Bab Al Salam has more to offer.
Bab Al Salam (USA) 7-4fav (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden to lead inside final furlong, driven out, won at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) pol beating Mutamaashi (9-2) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Dubai Crest 14-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, beaten over 1f out, 6th of 12, 7l behind Eastern Aria (9-7) at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Aug.
Norwegian Dancer (UAE) 16-1 (9-1) In rear, ridden over 2f out, never troubled leaders, 7th of 9, 11l behind Bab Al Salam (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
Rosika 11-2 (8-9) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 6f out, hemmed in and lost place 3f out, ridden over 2 out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 8l behind Quai D'orsay (9-4) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jul.
Souter Point (USA) 11-4fav (8-12) Took keen hold early, held up in mid division, headway over 2f out, led entering final furlong, soon driven along and kept on well, headed near finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Jawaab (9-8) at Warwick 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Aug.
Larkham (USA) 13-8fav (9-6) Tracked leader, driven to challenge entering final 2f, led narrowly 1f out, driven and all out, won at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Aug beating Geneva Geyser (9-7) by nk, 5 ran.
Rumble Of Thunder (IRE) 15-2 (9-5) Keen, led, clear over 3f out, ridden 2f out, headed final strides, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Prince Of Johanne (9-5) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Aug.
