led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd over 1f out, rallied to regain modest 2nd well inside final furlong
pulled hard, tracked leading pair, driven into modest 2nd over 1f out until no extra well inside final furlong
Palawan sets the standard with narrow defeats at Group 2 and Listed level on ground with some give to his credit. He'll take some beating but he'll be at short odds and BOBBY WHEELER may offer better value. Clive Cox' Pivotal colt is a half-brother to several winners and his dam won the Cheveley Park. He looked potentially useful when making all at Salisbury and is taken to upset the likely favourite. Essenaitch hasn't done much wrong and his two victories have come on good to soft going though he's penalised as a result.
Essenaitch (IRE) 11-8fav (9-7) Made all, ridden when challenged over 2f out, stayed on strongly closing stages, won at Lingfield 7f stks (5) gs in Aug beating Sakada (9-4) by 3l, 3 ran.
Palawan 2-1fav (9-1) Chased leader stand side, switched left to challenge over 1f out, never a threat, 3rd of 4, 1 3/4l behind Epsom Icon (8-10) at Newbury 7f lst stks (1) gs in Aug.
Bobby Wheeler (IRE) 15-8fav (8-11) Made all, drew clear approaching final furlong, pushed out, eased towards finish, easily, won at Salisbury 7f mdn stks (5) gd in Aug beating Art Echo (8-9) by 3 1/4l, 12 ran.