mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway to chase winner from over 1f out, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, nearest finish
towards rear, headway over 4f out to in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression
tracked leaders, prominent 5f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, to chase leaders, soon one pace
tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead over 3f out, soon ridden and stayed on well
held up, headway and every chance over 3f out, soon driven and weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out to chase leaders, soon one pace
led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened from over 1f out
Shekan Star is selected in the finale, with Shy Glance and Melvino others worthy of consideration. Melvino has been the model of consistency and can be relied upon to run his race. This uphill finish holds no fears for the David Barron-trained gelding and he will be hard to keep out of the frame. Shy Glance has plenty of scope for improvement and is one to seriously monitor in the betting. However, his purchase price of $200,000 does look expensive from what he has shown on the racecourse and improvement in now required. Therefore, we take our chances with Shekan Star, who deserves a change of fortune and, from an attractive mark, this reliable filly can give us a solid run for the money in the finale.
Neutrino 25-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden and hung left from over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never reached leaders, 4th of 7, 3l behind Oddsmaker (9-4) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Shy Glance (USA) 11-2 (9-7) Prominent, ridden and switched left over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Sforzando (9-6) at Haydock 1m 3f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Cleaver 8-1 (8-8) Took keen hold, held up, headway on outside over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Prime Powered (9-7) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jun.
Melvino 4-1 (9-10) Held up, ridden over 3f out, headway from over 1f out to chase leaders and kept on, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Kyle of Lochalsh (8-11) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Balwearie (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced 3f out, soon ridden and beaten, 6th of 7, 11l behind Jordans Elect (9-6) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Hansomelle (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 4l behind Coalpark (9-0) at Carlisle 1m fll hcp (5) gf.
Shekan Star 7-1 (8-5) Slowly into stride, held up, pushed along 4f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Spectral Star (9-6) at Leicester 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Kentucky Warbler (IRE) 11-2 (8-8) In touch, kept on one pace from 3f out, 6th of 13, 6l behind Let Slip (10-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f fll hcp (5) pol in Jul.
