pulled hard behind leaders, ridden well over 1f out, hung right and no impression final furlong
prominent, led after 2f, made rest, kept on well final furlong, pushed out
led for 2f, chased winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, joined winner 3f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, kept on well close home
slowly into stride, in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
Far Lane and Imtiyaaz come out clear on official ratings and should be set to fight out the finish, with the former just preferred. Barry Hills' four-year-old had always looked capable of winning a big handicap, and duly did so in the John Smith's Cup at York earlier in the summer. He has since been placed in Group 3 company, and although he was a disappointment at Doncaster last time, it is probably worth giving him another chance here. Imtiyaaz represents the Godolphin team and was a useful sort over this trip last season, including when finishing second in this race. He has faced some stiff tasks since then, but showed he can still cut it when third in a Listed race at Newbury last time and he certainly has a good chance here, but Barry Hills has his horses in good form and marginal preference goes to Far Lane.