held up in rear, pulled out to challenge final furlong, ridden to lead well inside final furlong, driven out
took keen hold tracking leaders, pushed along 3f out, driven and outpaced final 2f
led, brough field towards stand side in straight, ridden and headed over 2f out, 3rd and held when hampered inside final furlong
dwelt, recovered to chase leader after 2f, led over 2f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, beaten well inside final furlong
Royal Millennium is an infrequent winner for one of his ability but has put up two creditable performances in competitive handicaps of late and is the TEAMtalk selection to gain an overdue success. Mick Channon's charge is well treated on the pick of his form and both trip and ground conditions are ideal. Grizedale was narrowly denied in the Bunbury Cup and was far from disgraced last time while Northern Desert was disappointing last time but goes well fresh so could benefit from a short break and boasts some useful form to his name from earlier in the season. Pieter Brughel may struggle under his penalties in this company.