led, stayed far side entering straight over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
awkward start, slowly into stride, in rear, came stands side over 2f out, headway to chase winner 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, came stands side over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong
tracked leader, came standside over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, came standside and grabbed rail over 2f out, overall leader over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ran on
keen, tracked leaders, ridden and came standside over 2f out, one pace and edged right final furlong
A batch of severe underachievers contest the fifth race and TWILIGHT STAR is a token selection against Phluke and Tarzan. A winner over a mile at Sandown, he gets on well with Darryll Holland and it will be imperative that the rider gets him out early in an attempt to test the frailties of the opposition. Phluke is without the visor that has traditionally accompanied his runs. He is arguably better over seven furlongs but the market is watched to see whether the absence of headgear is fancied to make much difference. Tarzan has made little impact in a couple of the big handicaps this year. He could be a player granted the form of the stable. Prince Of Thebes has struggled against the handicapper this term and may just need a little more help. Northern Spy drops back to a mile after yielding little over further this season. Rock Anthem is exposed as moderate though seems to show his better form when fields of this size obtain. An unappealing punting medium with many negatives outweighing the positives so Twilight Star is the pick to minimal stake levels.
Prince Of Thebes (IRE) 8-1 (9-9) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge leader over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 5l behind Victoria Sponge (9-3) at Epsom Downs 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Twilight Star (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 13th of 14, 15l behind Silaah (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun.
Phluke 12-1 (9-4) Soon chased leader, narrow lead inside final 3f, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 13, 6l behind Wellington Square (9-6) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Tarzan (IRE) 33-1 (8-2) Prominent stands side, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten and weakened quickly, 26th of 30, 22l behind Fareer (8-10) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Northern Spy (USA) 10-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, effort and headway over 2f out, one pace, 7th of 13, 9l behind Buddy Holly (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f (4) pol in Jun.
Rock Anthem (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Slowly away, threw head in air and struck rider in face soon after start, always towards rear, 8th of 12, 10l behind Desert Kiss (9-7) at Kempton 1m app hcp (0-70) (4yo+) (5) pol in Jun.
