led over 4f
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on
slowly into stride, held up in rear, not troubled leaders
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, led over 1f out, ridden out
pulled hard, raced wide and held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish
In the best race on the card, Regal Dream can atone for an unlucky defeat at Goodwood at the expense of Phluke and Keep Bacckinhit. The selection, a winner over course and distance, should have won on his latest start. Richard Hills endured a torrid passage and was boxed in on the rails throughout the last two furlongs, eventually going down by less than two lengths. Regal Dream is still well handicapped and bounces of this fast ground, he is yet another who needs the rain to stay away Phluke represents a major danger. Also a winner over course and distance, Fulke Johnston Houghton's gelding finished third off a career-high mark to Aggravation at Windsor last week. The trip and ground are ideal and carrying weight on an undulating track is less of a problem. A case can also be made for Keep Backinhit, runner-up in his last two runs over this trips. Both were solid efforts but were in lower class affairs. He may be found wanting despite the excellent Ryan Moore on board. The ground needs to stay firm for Regal Dream but he should win if it does. An added bonus is that Shane Kelly takes over from Richard Hills.
Acomb 33-1 (9-7) Led until over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 9, 15l behind Blue Java (8-8) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Phluke 14-1 (9-7) Led, ridden 2f out, kept on well until headed and not quicken inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Aggravation (8-12) at Windsor 1m hcap (5) gf.
Regal Dream (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Held up, not clear run and switched left over 2f out, kept on to challenge for 3rd inside final furlong, hampered close home, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Blue Java (8-8) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Aastral Magic 16-1 (9-4) Soon chased leader to over 3f out, weakening when squeezed out just inside final 2f, last of 14, 16l behind Aggravation (8-12) at Windsor 1m hcap (5) gf.
Ivory Lace 11-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, held when badly hampered well inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 5l behind Blue Java (8-8) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Keep Bacckinhit (IRE) 5-2fav (10-0) Close up, ridden and every chance from over 2f out, chased winner from over 1f out, unable to quicken near finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind My Lovely Lady (9-11) at Brighton 1m fll hcp 0-70 (5) frm.
