keen, chased leaders 3f, never dangerous
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
raced wide, in touch, headway over 5f out, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, lost 2nd post
in touch, headway over 5f out, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked winner, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden 5f out, no impression
sllyow into stride, behind, ridden over 4f out, headway over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd post
slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 4f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on, not troubled leaders
always behind
A very interesting finale, one in which Yeoman Lad might be able to defy top weight, the main dangers being Strategy, Telemachus, Swift Tango and Border Tale. Yeoman Lad, who ran pretty well in the Royal Hunt Cup, steps up to ten furlongs for the first time tonight and it could well suit. Watch out for improvement. Telemachus was considered good enough to run at Royal Ascot, where he appeared not to stay over 12 furlongs. This trip could well suit him better and he is certainly one for the shortlist. A repeat of his fourth place the time before in a valuable handicap at York gives him a big shout here. Swift Tango, just touched off by Raphael at Beverley last time, is another who is likely to appreciate a step up in trip, so it would be no surprise to see him competitive too. Course winner Border Tale was collared close home last time and should be more effective at this trip despite being five pounds higher than for his last win. Strategy has to be respected from the Sir Michael Stoute yard and with Kieren Fallon on board. His overall form, however, leaves him with improvement to find, although he is likely to make a bold show and prove popular with punters. Downtime is from a stable in form and, although his overall form in just five runs is modest, he showed by winning at Leicester last time that he is improving for a step up in trip. Sir Night has remained consistent following his 10lb-rise for a win in a Beverley seller, but it would be a surprise if one or two were not too good for him. Overall, then, Yeoman Lad gets the nomination.