tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one paced under pressure
held up in rear, headway 3f out, soon ridden and effort, every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish
made most, ridden over 2f out, headed and not quicken final furlong
soon in touch, ridden 3f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, held towards finish
held up in touch, headway over 3f out, effort to 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead final furlong, held on well towards finish
tracked leaders to halfway, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
with leader, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden and one pace
The paddock will be a reliable guide to how many of these have progressed from two to three, but the one to be on here is Ed Dunlop's Marfooq. He shaped with plenty of promise on two starts in good company last year and has reportedly been working well on the gallops in preparation for this. The danger is Mick Channon's Moarban, who showed a deal of promise on his debut behind the smart Trade Fair, but disappointed on his only subsequent start. Brian Meehan has an impeccable record in this race, and saddles the unraced Dusk Dancer here, with Pat Eddery booked to ride. Any market move would be very significant.