mid-division, every chance over 4f out, ridden 3f out, led over 1f out, headed and no extra inside last
soon led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened from 2f out
held up, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened from 2f out
soon tracked leaders, prominent over 3f out, ridden and led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, led again inside last, kept on well
mid-division, every chance over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden and weakened over 4f out, virtually pulled up
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on over 1f out
mid-division, behind and ridden over 4f out, soon beaten
Exalted, looking to win this race for the third year in a row, is the selection and has most to fear from Kid'Z'Play, Golden Boot and Needwood Mystic. Although the selection will probably not relish fast conditions, he has clearly been primed for this race and gets on well with the booked rider, who has ridden him to both successes in this contest. Golden Boots is unproven at the trip but, on breeding, it should suit. He ran well here over 11 furlongs on good to soft last time and, now fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, has to hold a chance. Kid'Z'Play is only four pounds higher now than for his course win over 12 furlongs in April, although he certainly would prefer some give in the going. Needwood Mystic makes the long journey up from Sussex and, being a winner from today's mark at Carlisle in August for today's rider, has to be on the shortlist. Claptrap, for whom the in-form Serena Brotherton has been booked, will have his supporters but, although lightly raced, has yet to score and his best efforts have come on the all-weather. As such, others are preferred. All in all, Exalted is taken to land what would be a hugely popular success.