chased leaders, not clear run over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, kept on well under pressure
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leader, led over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on same pace
always prominent, led entering final furlong, soon strongly challenged, stayed on well
This often produces a decent winner as it did in 2016 with Prince Of Lir but Robert Cowell's representative this time, Cool Sphere, was engaged to run at Bath last night. Mark Johnston won it two years ago with Cardsharp and Xcelente looked smart when scoring at Thirsk but was surprisingly beaten when long odds-on at Pontefract. Richard Hannon landed the prize in 2013 and OH PURPLE REIGN looks the one to be on this time. A 6f debut winner at Nottingham, he looked all at sea at Epsom last Friday but still managed to get close to hot favourite Pinatubo and can get back to winning ways. Dream Shot attracted good support at Goodwood and overcame inexperience to win cosily while there was plenty to like about the debut of Summer Sands at York and the maiden allowance will help.
Oh Purple Reign (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Chased leader who went clear before halfway, pushed along and lost 2nd over 2f out, went 2nd again towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Pinatubo (9-5) at Epsom 6f stks (2) gd in May.
Xcelente 4-9fav (9-8) Chased winner, strong challenge near finish, just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Kidda (9-2) at Pontefract 5f stks (4) gf in May.
Dream Shot (IRE) 7-2 (9-2) On edge, chased leaders, went 2nd inside final furlong, pushed along and ran on to lead close home, won at Goodwood 5f stks (4) gf in May beating Spanish Angel (9-2) by nk, 8 ran.
Rodnee Tee 9-4 (9-9) Led, ridden inside final furlong, just caught last stride, 2nd of 9, shd behind Probable Cause (8-11) at Wolverhampton 5f stks (5) pol in May.
Summer Sands 11-2 (9-2) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3 3/4l behind Bomb Proof (9-2) at York 5f stks (3) gf in May.
Cool Sphere (USA) 9-2 (9-5) Led, pushed along 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Majestic Sands (9-5) at Leicester 5f stks (4) gd in May.
