led early, tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, lost 2nd place last 100 yards, staying on one pace when eased last 50 yards
soon led, made rest, ridden entering final furlong, held on well
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden over 1f out, went 2nd last 100 yards, kept on, held towards finish
always in rear, never a threat
Nonrunner
COMEDY ACT is selected ahead of Bergonzi and Akbabend. Sir Mark Prescott's charge has gone up the handicap by no fewer than 19lb since he first got his head infront and while the small field is a worry (he has been beaten on two of the three occasions where there have been six or fewer runners); he has shown progressive form and has the services of Paul Hanagan today. Paul Mulrennan should know all about him and he is aboard Bergonzi. He is always dangerous if gifted a soft lead though he can rather flatter to deceive when push comes to shove. Akbabend is another who could be likely to make the running and he can stay further than this 1m5f trip. Autumn Harvest and Sir Royal need to bounce back from below par efforts last time out. With the likelihood of a strong pace early doors, there should be no excuses for Comedy Act to land the mantle of favouritism on this occasion.
Akbabend 9-2 (9-9) Tracked leader, joined leader 5f out, ridden 3f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on to go 2nd near finish, 2nd of 5, 2 1/4l behind Curacao (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Bergonzi (IRE) 10-3 (9-11) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, kept on gamely to regain lead close home, won at Catterick 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul beating Cloudy City (8-2) by shd, 5 ran.
Sir Royal (USA) 14-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear and keen, never on terms, 13th of 16, 22l behind Brushing (9-6) at Carlisle 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Autumn Harvest 5-1 (10-0) Dwelt, took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 11l behind Solicitor (9-5) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jul.
Comedy Act 4-1 (8-12) Made all, ridden over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul beating Bowdler's Magic (9-7) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
