mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression until stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders
held up, outpaced over 3f out, never dangerous
behind, struggling 4f out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, no impression final furlong
mid-division on inside, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on final furlong
held up, always behind
dwelt, soon tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, lost place over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch, driven over 2f out, ridden and headway to chase winner when hung left over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reach winner
dwelt, held up, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
made virtually all, ridden clear well over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
POTENTIALE is taken to land the opener and complete a hat-trick into the bargain, while Elna Bright, Kaleo and Red Jade are among others considered. To the selection first though, and the John Hills-trained five-year-old comes here in great heart after victories at both Goodwood and then here over course and distance last time. A 5lb rise for that latest win is fair enough, but there was probably more in hand than the official half-length margin suggests that day and given his current form we will side with him to make it a treble. Elna Bright is penalised 6lbs for a win at Ascot over a mile last time out and has never won from such a high mark in handicaps before. That may be one source of doubt, but more so is his stamina. Even though this is a relatively easy 10f, he has never been tried over this far and pedigree suggests that he won¿t get home. Kaleo has no issues on that score, but although conditions also suit Simon Dow¿s course winner, this assignment is tougher than the claimers in which he has more success. Richard Fahey¿s runners are still going well and Red Jade is respected on that basis, especially after a good effort at Yarmouth last time, although a 2lb rise for that does not make this any easier. The Fifth Member has the ability to get involved at the business end, although there are stamina concerns over him and Jo¿Burg looks a solid option from this mark. He sees out the trip well and acts on a sound surface, so he may be the one to give the selection most to do. Potentiale can realise his today.
King Charles 16-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, some headway, never on terms, 10th of 13, 6l behind Demolition (8-6) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Sep.
Bound By Honour (SAF) 40-1 (9-5) Mid-division, pushed along and some headway on outside over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 9th of 20, 7l behind Almiqdaad (8-12) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) gf in Sep.
Elna Bright 14-1 (8-6) Held up, smooth headway 3f out, soon tracking leaders, led over 1f out, kept on well final furlong and always holding on, won at Ascot 1m hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Sep beating Alfathaa (9-8) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Red Jade 9-2 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway under pressure well over 1f out, nearest finish, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Agilete (8-10) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sep.
Can Can Star 10-1 (9-1) Soon in touch, good headway to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Ottoman Empire (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Sep.
The Fifth Member (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Led, headed over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 19th of 20, 34l behind Kavachi (9-2) at York 1m 1f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun.
