chased leaders, driven and unable to quicken 2f out, staying on same pace when switched right final 100 yards, kept on, just missed 3rd place
dwelt, soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
steadied and awkward leaving stalls, held up, switched sharply right 2f out, driven and ran on to chase winner well inside final furlong, kept on, always held
always struggling in rear
covered up behind leaders, switched right 2f out, chased winner over 1f out until well inside final furlong
chased leaders, led 2f out, soon hung left to rail, driven final furlong and always holding on
ridden 4f out, never a factor
tracked leader to 2f out, weakened under pressure soon after
ARTSU may be the way forward here although we wouldn't be too quick to condemn any of the runners. Withcry comes here in good form and is one of the likelier candidates with conditions to suit although his revised mark is probably as high as supporters would want it to be. Just eighteen months ago, Princess Valerina was making Docofthebay pull out all the stops but she has lost her way and hasn't raced over this trip since her second start. Leading Edge and North South Divide are capable but not in the best of form whilst all of Charles Darwin's wins have been achieved on top of the ground despite some fair races in defeat with cut. Mandarin Spirit is interesting as he has won half of his starts here, ran well enough last time and is versatile with regard to underfoot conditions. Marginal preference is for Artsu though as Michael Bell's runner appears to be faced with an easier task here than has oft been the case of late. He's on a fair enough mark once his pilot's claim is taken into account and Artsu may be able to take this as long as the ground doesn't dry out.
Charles Darwin (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Chased leaders to halfway, weakened quickly over 2f out, 14th of 15, 17l behind Peter Island (9-1) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
North South Divide (IRE) 17-2 (9-1) Tracked winner to 2f out, gradually lost place, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 15, 8l behind Peter Island (9-1) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
Artsu 8-1 (8-11) Steadied start, keen, held up, headway 2f out, soon ridden, edged left, driven inside final furlong, kept on, 4th of 12, 5l behind Errigal Lad (8-12) at Leicester 6f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Sept.
Leading Edge (IRE) 66-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, always mid-division, 10th of 16, 6l behind Memphis Man (9-1) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept.
Mandarin Spirit (IRE) 11-1 (8-6) Dwelt, held up, headway and chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 15, 3l behind Peter Island (9-1) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
Princess Valerina 11-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, soon outpaced, 10th of 16, 15l behind Major Magpie (9-8) at Pontefract 1m hcap (4) gs in Sept.
Witchry 4-1fav (9-6) In touch, pushed along halfway, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Grimes Faith (8-10) at Ayr 5f hcap (5) hvy in Sept.
Really Really Wish 10-1 (8-4) Held up, ridden halfway, struggling and weakened over 1f out, last of 5, 4l behind Pretty Bonnie (8-9) at Sandown 5f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Sept.
