tracked leading trio, left 2nd 6f out, challenged going well 2f out, soon slight lead, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no chance with winner, held on for 2nd
pushed along from stalls to lead, joined 2f out, soon narrowly headed, ridden over 1f out, stayed on pressing for 2nd inside final furlong but no chance with winner
stumbled start, took keen hold tracking leading pair, pushed along inside final 3f, ridden and beaten inside final 2f, eased when no chance inside final furlong
tracking leader when broke down and pulled up after 2f
steadied and held up last, niggled along halfway, ridden and headway 2f out, soon switched right and chasing leading pair, led approaching final furlong, soon in command, eased close home
Take A Note is finding things tougher off higher marks at present whilst Evervescent has been much better the last twice but continues to suggest that 1m is not his optimum trip. Paphos has done most of his winning at a lower level but African Oil, the sole 3-y-o on show, does catch the eye. More was expected of the Hills inmate last time when most disappointing at Doncaster but previous efforts read well in the context of this contest. A better run is envisaged but the verdict goes to CROQUEMBOUCHE. He made all to score here in good style last time over this trip after taking time this term to find his best and looks ideally suited to 1m on fast ground. He can follow up off a 4lb higher mark.
Take A Note 12-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden inside final 2f, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 6l behind Sennockian Star (8-10) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun.
Croquembouche (IRE) 15-8fav (9-7) Made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, eased close home, won at Bath 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Jun beating Ifan (8-11) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Evervescent (IRE) 16-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, kept on and lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 12, 4l behind Victoire De Lyphar (9-12) at Doncaster 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Paphos 18-1 (9-6) Pressed leader, ridden 3f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Levi Draper (9-12) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
African Oil (FR) 11-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, with leader over 4f out, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 20l behind Off Art (9-7) at Doncaster 7f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gs in May.