made all, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure
slowly into stride, pushed along in touch, lost place 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on well final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, one pace
held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
held up, effort and not clear run over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
A small but select entry and we prefer Invincible Force to Rainbow Fox and Bazroy. Deborah Evans' gelding has a nightmare start from box five on his last visit to Chester but he can have few complaints about the draw on this occasion and with Eddie Ahern booked, connections are clearly taking no chances. Rainbow Fox spoilt his chances in a Novice Stakes at Wolverhampton by pulling much too hard in the early stages and Paul Hanagan will need to be on top of the situation when the race begins in earnest. He had looked progressive enough prior to that very public blemish and is not without a chance. Bazroy looked to improve for the application of first time blinkers. On a strict interpretation of the form, he has a couple of pounds to find with the market principals but his "improvement" was none the less encouraging. Ensign's Trick was a wide margin winner of a seller at Ripon and it is noted that Mark Brisburne beat off a lot of opposition to retain her services for ¿20 000. Unfortunately, she has the worst draw of all and will need plenty of luck in running. Proper has plenty of early pace and will find life easier in nurseries than in the big sales races. Yerevan has a modicum of ability but looks to be exposed these days. Invincible Force has the draw and the ability and we shall side with him on this occasion.
Invincible Force (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-0) Hampered at start and behind, soon chased along, some late headway, never reached challenging position, 4th of 6, 6l behind Not For Me (8-9) at Chester 5f 2yo stk (2) gf in Jul.
Ensign's Trick 4-1 (8-1) Led, headed after 1f and remained in touch, pushed along halfway, led over 1f out, drew clear entering final furlong, easily, won at Ripon 6f 2yo sll (6) gf in Jul beating Loch Clutha (8-6) by 9l, 9 ran.
Bazroy (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, outpaced 2f out, soon hung left, rallied 1f out, ran on, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind My Valerina (8-2) at Haydock 5f 2yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Rainbow Fox 3-1 (9-1) Pulled hard, in touch on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 6l behind Ponty Rossa (8-10) at W'hampton 6f nov stk (4) pol in Jul.
Proper (IRE) 100-1 (8-3) Always behind, 16th of 23, 13l behind Elhamri (9-4) at Newbury 5f 2yo aut (2) gf in Jul.
Yerevan 4-1 (8-4) Prominent, ridden and edged right over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind My Valerina (8-2) at Haydock 5f 2yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Cheshire Prince 10-1 (8-4) Held up and keen early, ridden over 2f out and soon weakened, last of 6, 4 1/2l behind Adaptation (9-4) at Hamilton 6f 2yo hcp (3) gf in Jul.
