started slowly, soon prominent, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, soon eased
tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, kept on
held up towards rear, driven over 3f out, ridden and no impression final 2f
took keen to lead, ridden over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, stayed on same pace
held up in rear, chased along over 3 fout, ridden when weakened approaching final furlong
This is a fair opportunity for Come On Jonny to rediscover winning ways and he is selected ahead of Waverley and the in-form Gavroche. It will also be interesting to note how Leo's Luckyman fares on only his second start since July 2003. Mark Johnston's charge is a dual course and distance winner that has been given a chance by the handicapper after he failed to sparkle on his reappearance. Placed in the Champagne Stakes as a juvenile, Leo's Luckyman has never really lived up to his potential but he would not be still in training if his trainer did not think he can still pay his way. Gavroche is thriving on his racing and is entitled to take his chance while he is in such good heart. This is a big step up in class for him though and he may just get found out at this level. Waverley was not beaten far in last month's Ebor and is respected on the pick of his form. He too has endured training problems but will appreciate what give there is underfoot. However, he may need a stiffer test of his stamina these days and others may have his measure if it boils down to a dash for the line. With Come On Jonny edging the vote on this occasion. The three-year-old is a tough and reliable character that has only been out of the frame twice in his last seven starts. The trip and ground are ideal for Ralph Beckett's charge and, as his recent form looks the most reliable, Come On Jonny is fancied to be too tough to get past in the opener.
Waverley (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 20, 8l behind Sergeant Cecil (8-12) at York 1m 6f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Leo's Luckyman (USA) 33-1 (9-10) With leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 18th of 19, 23l behind Realism (8-6) at York 1m 2f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Blue Spinnaker (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Steadied start and switched left, held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 6th of 14, 7l behind Pedrillo (9-2) at York 1m 1f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Come On Jonny (IRE) 9-2 (8-10) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 9, 8l behind Ski Jump (8-7) at York 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Jul.
Dancer's Serenade (IRE) 7-2fav (9-6) Tracked leader, driven 3f out, ridden and lost place over 1f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 10l behind Pevensey (9-0) at York 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Gavroche (IRE) 7-2fav (9-11) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway 3f out, ridden to lead 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, driven out, won at Epsom 1m 2f hcp (4) beating Del Mar Sunset (8-7) by a nk, 12 ran.
