led, ridden over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra
with leader, hard ridden 2f out, kept on and switched left inside final furlong, led well inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon dropped rear
chased leaders, effort 3f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
Much depends on the fitness of Power Politics - an impeccably-bred individual that stands head and shoulders above these on pedigree. Irony is the logical danger, while Material Witness is a plucky character that will make sure there is a strong pace. The last named has a bit to find on the balance of form and, sentiment aside, he will need everything to go his way. As does Lizarazu, whose tendency to be on his toes in the preliminaries can sometimes spoil his chances before push comes to shove. Irony has been a great servant to both Jamie Osborne and Andrew Balding and owes nobody anything. He is consistent enough to be expected to put up a bold show and can pick up the scraps if the Godolphin horse is in need of the run. However, Power Politics was a really taking individaul last year and, assuming that he has thrived in the intervening period, this son of Seeking The Gold could easily prove to be a class above tonights rivals.
Material Witness (IRE) 50-1 (8-7) Mid-division, weakening when hampered well over 2f out, 23rd of 27, 20l behind Uhoomagoo (8-9) at Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Irony (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Prominent, ridden and weakening when hampered 2f out, 22nd of 27, 19l behind Uhoomagoo (8-9) at Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Puya 13-2 (9-10) Close up, driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 14, 9l behind Hits Only Heaven (9-5) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun.
Lizarazu (GER) 12-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, kept on again near finish, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Habshan (10-0) at Warwick 1m hcp 0-80 (4) frm.
Pure Imagination (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway and every chance 1f out, one pace, 5th of 12, 2l behind Bijou Dan (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Power Politics (USA) 4-7fav (9-0) Made all, clear over 1f out, easily, won at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf beating Formal Decree (9-0) by 4l, 8 ran.