chased leader, pushed along over 3f out, lost 2nd over 2f out, weakened into 4th inside final furlong
held up in touch, switched right over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, stayed on
led, ridden over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, held towards finish
held up in touch, pulled hard, outpaced over 3f out, went 3rd and no impression inside final furlong
Greatgadian returned to action with a course and distance success but has been raised 6lb while Arthur's Realm is upped in class after winning over a shorter trip here. PETER THE GREAT failed to land the odds at Newcastle last time but finished well clear of the rest and, with cheekpieces likely to bring improvement, the Gosdens’ charge gets another chance. Johnny Drama, last year’s John Smith’s Cup winner at York, remains 9lb higher and has undergone wind surgery since last in action.
Johnny Drama (IRE) 15-2 (9-10) Prominent, headway on outside 3f out, ridden over 2f out, close up entering final furlong, faded close home, 4th of 15, 1 3/4l behind Sam Cooke (8-10) at York 1m 4f hcp (2) gf in Aug.
Greatgadian (GER) 2-1fav (9-7) Midfield, pushed along over 1f out, headway to lead 1f out, ridden clear inside final furlong, won at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (3) pol in Apr beating Satono Japan (9-4) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.
Peter The Great 8-11fav (9-7) Slowly away, tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden to press winner from 1f out, unable to quicken towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Possible Man (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (3) pol in Apr.
Arthur's Realm (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Rider removed hood late, slowly away, in touch in rear, wide and headway approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (4) pol in Apr beating Newton Jack (8-13) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.