Only 2lbs separates McEldowney, Lucayan Dancer and Peruvian Prince on official ratings and they should fight out the finish. Lucayan Dancer may win the battle. He has no problem getting his head in front and comes here in search of a hat-trick. Strictly, he has a bit to do at the weights but he has plenty going for him and is in great form. Peruvian Prince went close at York in this grade on his penultimate start and merits respect but his record suggests that he wouldn't appreciate further rain and he has only managed to win once on grass. McEldowney takes a marked drop in grade for his first outing since leaving Mark Johnston and he's entitled to need the spin after such a long absence. There will be no margin for error here and Lucayan Dancer can strike again.
Lucayan Dancer 9-4fav (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, readily, won at Catterick 1m 4f clm (6) gf beating Bocciani (8-9) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Peruvian Prince (USA) 12-1 (9-2) Held up, never on terms, 7th of 8, 9l behind Nanton (9-7) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gd.
McEldowney 9-2 (10-0) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, outpaced 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Bogside Theatre (8-8) at Hamilton 1m 5f hcap (4) gs in Jul '07.
Ulysees (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Held up in last, ridden and good headway from over 2f out to challenge winner over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Astrodome (8-12) at Hamilton 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
Howards Hope 25-1 (8-5) In touch on outside, ridden and lost place over 3f out, no impression final 2f, 6th of 9, 10l behind Grit (9-1) at Carlisle 1m 1f 3yo clm (6) gd.
