in touch for 3f, behind from halfway
held up in rear, headway 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner final 100 yards
tracked leading pair on inner, switched right inside final 2f, pushed along and ran on to lead final 100 yards, readily (hand timed)
held up in touch, hard ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold tracking leader, led inside final 3f, headed over 1f out, not quicken final furlong
went right start, keen hold tracking leaders on outer, ridden and weakened over 2f out
took keen hold, held up, pushed along halfway, soon behind
led until ridden and headed inside final 3f, weakened rapidly over 2f out
Secret Assassin is the pick over High Octave, with Macedon and Alwariah best of the rest. Secret Assassin has in truth been expensive to follow so far, but has been placed on a number of occasions and was a close second at Warwick last time despite hanging to his right. Drawn in stall five, it would help if they tracked over and went up the far rail, but even so his form should give him the edge over High Octave. The latter seemed to be given a lot to do by Jamie Spencer when a fast-finishing second at Lingfield last time, and if Adam Kirby can keep him nearer the pace, he should go well. Macedon has an absence to overcome but showed a bit of promise on his introduction last year, and will pay his way in time no doubt, while Alwariah has plenty of experience but has not impressed so far. All in all, it appears that Secret Assassin has the best credentials of all.
Boysie Brigador (USA) 20-1 (9-3) Always behind, 15th of 16, 17l behind Falmassim (9-3) at Windsor 6f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf.
High Octave (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Mataram (9-4) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun.
Macedon 10-3 (8-9) Slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Asaawir (8-9) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf.
Secret Assassin (IRE) 9-4 (9-3) Tracked leaders and keen, hung right over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 11, nk behind Orpen Quest (9-4) at Warwick 7f mdn aut stk (5) frm.
Alwariah 16-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride and always behind, 10th of 14, 11l behind Dancing Guest (9-5) at Kempton 7f 3yo fll hcp (5) pol in Jun.
Kims Rose (IRE) 25-1 (8-5) Slowly into stride, held up and keen, headway halfway, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 10l behind Southport Star (9-3) at Warwick 7f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gd.
Mocairde (USA) 14-1 (8-11) Soon settled mid-division, ridden in 8th and kept on without threatening from under 2f out, 7th of 15, 9l behind Duff (9-2) at Gowran Park 7f 2yo mdn gf in May '05.
Patitiri (USA) 40-1 (8-9) Keen and always in rear, 9th of 10, 10l behind China Cherub (8-9) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
