soon led, came over to stand side rail over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
tracked leaders, chased leader stand side rail over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong
held up 6th, headway on stand side rail when short of room and checked over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders
in touch, effort 2f out, no impresison over 1f out
always rear, weakened over 2f out
held up 5th, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, soon clear, ridden out
tracked leader to over 3f out, soon ridden, gradually weakened
We favour Cross Time here ahead of Loch Quest, Country Pursuit and Ma'an. Cross Time was a very good second to the progressive Oblique last time and that form looks pretty solid, even though the winner has been beaten since. Also, the selection has proven that he stays today's trip, which is in his favour and we reckon he will go well today. Loch Quest won a Windsor handicap off 72 over this trip in May and has run fairly well from revised marks since and could go well, while Sri Lipis has become disappointing but is racing in first-time blinkers today. Ocean Avenue won off a mark of 82 last September but has lost his way since, while Country Pursuit is closely weighted with Top The Charts based on Newbury runs in August, but we think the former might just confirm the form today. Finally, Ma'an has been contesting Listed races - and running respectably - of late so cannot be ruled out after a 105-day break and at a new trip. Overall, though, we will stick with Cross Time.
Ocean Avenue (IRE) 50-1 (9-10) Led until 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 13l behind Garden Society (9-6) at Newbury 1m 5f hcp (3) gf in Aug.
Country Pursuit (USA) 7-2fav (8-13) Made all, ridden and hung left final furlong, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Aug beating Zeeba (8-8) by 3/4l, 15 ran.
Cross Time (USA) 12-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, headway 4f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Oblique (9-2) at Epsom 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Loch Quest (IRE) 14-1 (8-4) Awkward start, held up, some headway over 1f out, never on terms, 6th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Pagan Sword (8-10) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp (4) gf.
Sri Lipis 6-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, always behind, 10th of 15, 26l behind Country Pursuit (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Aug.
Top The Charts 1-2fav (9-0) Chased leader, led on bit 3f out, shaken up 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, won at Bath 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) hrd beating Louise d'Arzens (8-9) by 5l, 4 ran.
Ma'am (USA) 66-1 (8-9) Chased leaders to over 3f out, stayed close until weakened 2f out, 5th of 8, 4l behind Ruby Wine (8-9) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo lst fll (1) gf in Jun.
