chased leaders, effort over 1f out, soon hard ridden and chased winner, not pace to challenge
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, soon clear, eased close home
tracked leader, lost place well over 2f out
prominent, effort over 2f out, soon hard ridden to challenge, weakened final furlong
led and raced keenly, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
We've seen all of these at least once before, so there's a modicum of form to consider, and we'll side with MONSIEUR JOE ahead of Burgau Royal and La Fortunata. The selection was third in a decent handicap second time out, after being placed too on debut. He's had a little lay-off, during which time the yard will have tried to cure the problem of hanging to the left. He qualifies for an official rating after this race, and he looks capable of winning at this sort of level. Burgau Royal steps down in trip, and that looks to be a positive move by Mick Channon who's won this race previously. He's got plenty of early dash, and entries for Kempton and Windsor tomorrow, one of which he may take up if not winning today. La Fortunata is another who gets going early, and is the most experienced. She may find this course less demanding than what she's previously faced. In a small field the draw may not be so significant, but Monsieur Joe's drawn well in stall six, and will carry our support.
Freeforaday (USA) 16-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 9l behind Bridge Valley (9-3) at Sandown 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd.
Monsieur Joe (IRE) 7-4fav (9-3) Led until over 2f out, soon ridden to chase winner, held when drifted left and lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Little Perisher (9-3) at Ascot 5f 2yo mdn (3) gf in May.
Bazsharani 9-2 (8-12) Switched right at start, soon led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Slice (9-3) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul.
L'isle Joyeuse 33-1 (8-2) Tracked leaders, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 19l behind Music Show (8-12) at Bath 6f 2yo fll mdn aut (6) gd.
La Fortunata 14-1 (9-0) Led, headed 3f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Excellent Day (9-0) at Sandown 5f 2yo stks (5) gf.
Recette 33-1 (8-12) Slowly away, held up towards rear on rail, well behind final 2f, 9th of 11, 11l behind Final Answer (9-3) at Sandown 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Burgau Royal 7-1 (9-3) With winner, ridden and left over 1f out, kept on until no extra towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Dubai Set (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
