tracked leader, led 8f out, ridden and headed 3f out, still every chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
prominent, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on
led after 2f, headed 8f out, lost a couple of places 6f out, ridden over 3f out, headway 1f out, stayed on final furlong
led 2f, remained prominent, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, pressed leader over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on
held up, switched right over 2f out, never a factor
in rear, ridden 3f out, kept on, never a factor
slowly into stride, in rear, never near leaders
towards rear, effort over 4f out, weakened 2f out
held up, lost place 4f out
The performance by EPIC when winning over course and distance last time out suggests that he can follow up from 6lbs higher today, with conditions again described as good. The Celtic Swing gelding showed an attitude typical of one saddled by his trainer Mark Johnston and that can stand him in good stead today. Money for Helieorbea would be interesting now dropped in the weights and blinkered first-time, while Regent's Secret likes it here and should be involved in the battle for honours from this mark. Patavium is consistent and has claims, but preference is for Epic.
Patavium (IRE) 9-2 (10-0) Tracked winner 3f, prominent, ridden to chase winner again 2f out, soon no impression, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Wadnaan (9-7) at Beverley 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jul.
Graceful Descent (FR) 9-1 (8-10) Tracked leader, lost place over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final 2f, no impression, 6th of 13, 6l behind Dubai Bounty (8-9) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Red Kestrel (USA) 12-1 (9-5) Held up behind, outpaced over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never near leaders, 5th of 8, 12l behind Amir Pasha (8-11) at Haydock 1m 4f app hcp (5) sft.
Amir Pasha (UAE) 2-1fav (9-11) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden and hung right well over 1f out, soon headed narrowly, stayed on and every chance until no extra when lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Master Nimbus (9-6) at Beverley 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Helieorbea 9-2 (9-9) Behind, soon outpaced, some late headway, never nearer, 5th of 8, 18l behind Count Ceprano (8-6) at Redcar 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Jul.
Epic (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, clear over 1f out, stayed on well, in command when eased towards finish, won at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gd beating Regent's Secret (8-10) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
King's Head (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, lost place over 6f out, well behind 4f out, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Film Festival (8-11) at Carlisle 1m 3f ladies hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.
Sovento (GER) 7-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, 9th halfway, ridden into 7th 2f out, 6th 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 24, 3 1/2l behind Siege Of Ennis (9-9) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp 50-75 gd in Jul.
Regent's Secret (USA) 10-1 (8-10) Held up in rear, still last and plenty to do 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong to go 2nd final 100 yards, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Epic (9-4) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Casino Night 3-1fav (9-1) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 1 3/4l behind Starkat (10-0) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Decimus Meridius (IRE) 10-3 (9-5) Took keen hold early, soon settled in 5th, pushed along over 4f out, soon lost touch, tailed off, 5th of 6, well behind Meetings Man (9-0) at Hamilton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in May.
Louisa (GER) 25-1 (8-7) Held up in 5th, driven and outpaced 3f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, never near leaders, 5th of 6, 10l behind Epic (9-4) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
