mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
dwelt and towards rear, never a factor
slowly into stride, towards rear, raced alone far side, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
held up, driven over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reached winner
held up, effort when hampered over 1f out, virtually pulled up
tracked leader, led halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led, headed halfway, weakened over 1f out
in touch, led 2f out, driven and kept on gamely final furlong
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
Nonrunner
Charles Parnell, Highland Song and Observatory Star form the shortlist and our vote is for the first named. Michael Dods' representative has not had too much in the way of experience on this surface but he seemed to handle it adequately last time out and looks to have a fair draw under the circumstances. Highland Song and The History Man are closely matched on form and the latter can be expected to make the early running. Observatory Star appeared to appreciate the switch to blinkers and the experiment has been tried again. All-weather winner, Duke Of Milan had bits and pieces of form for Dermot Weld but is unproven under today's conditions. John Keats has taken some time to come to hand and should be in the shake-up once again. Choysia's better form has obtained with faster ground. Hotham is unproven under today's conditions so the market is watched in order to gauge any signs of confidence. A tough race in which Charles Parnell is nominated as the selection.
Welcome Approach 33-1 (9-3) Raced far side, in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 16, 7l behind Wanchai Lad (9-1) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Sept.
Duke Of Milan (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) With leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, last of 12, 9l behind Keyaki (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
John Keats 17-2 (8-13) Held up, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 15l behind Bold Marc (8-12) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Charles Parnell (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Forces Sweetheart (9-6) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Highland Song (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace, 4th of 10, 8l behind Tender Process (9-4) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (5) hvy.
Hotham 15-2 (9-3) Soon led, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 5th of 12, 3l behind Duke Of Milan (8-12) at Lingfield 6f 3yo app hcp (5) pol in Sept.
Observatory Star (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out, headed and no extra close home, 3rd of 13, 1/2l behind Black Sea Pearl (8-10) at Yarmouth 6f hcp 0-60 (6) sft.
The History Man (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Led, ridden over 2f out, soon headed and gradually weakened, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Tender Process (9-4) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (5) hvy.
