steadied start, in touch, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden over 1f out, kept on, edged right close home
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, ran on towards finish
tracked leader, challenged winner 2f out, weakened final furlong
Balian has Athena's Dream and Shinko to beat here and looks up to the task. Balian has gone well at brighton, Sandown and Windsor recently and this looks an easier task. He is a consistent type and although thoroughly exposed his overall form is superior to his rivals here. Shinko had shown a glimmer of ability when third in a Brighton maiden handicap but has failed to live up to that promise in subsequent outings although not disgraced. She can fight it out for a place. A similar remark also applies to Athena's Dream who hinted at talent at Thirsk last time but is another who has had a number of chances and is taken on. Balian looks to have a facile task.
Kashtanka (IRE) 50-1 (8-4) Chased leaders to halfway, last of 12, 14l behind Paddywack (8-7) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Balian 4-1 (9-3) Tracked winner to over 2f out, soon faded, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Call Me Waki (8-12) at Windsor 6f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf.
Hotchpotch (USA) 12-1 (9-3) Went right start, soon outpaced, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 9l behind Miss Mujahid Times (8-6) at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp (6) fbs in Jul.
Athena's Dream 12-1 (9-3) Dwelt and towards rear, effort over 2f out, never able to challenge, 10th of 16, 5l behind Dazzler Mac (9-1) at Thirsk 6f app mdn hcp 0-80 (5) gd.
Shinko (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Behind, some headway 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 13, 9l behind Carloman (9-2) at Epsom 1m 1f 3yo mdn hcp (5) gf in Jul.