mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
mid-division, not clear run from 2f out to 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders
held up and keen, headway and switched right over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on strongly towards finish
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakening when not much room over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon prominent and keen, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
Kuster gets our vote in a quite-competitive affair. The selection landed an amateurs' event last time but had earlier won over course and distance from a five-pound lower mark than today's. With his useful rider claiming five pounds off his back, he might just be up to winning again. Reveillez's Newmarket win in June came from a four-pound lower rating, although he has remained fairly competitive since. Barman was one-and-three-quarter lengths behind Kuster in the amateur event referred to but is now three pounds better off. Coolbythepool looked progressive when winning twice at Hamilton in July but has come unstuck since being raised five pounds as a consequence. Blue Star is probably best now at this trip but keeps tending to find one or two too good for him. Tbm Can has done well for his trainer, winning five of his last ten races. His rating has risen 23lbs as a consequence but he could go well off a low weight. Mexican Pete comes here chasing a hat-trick and connections have elected to run him here under a penalty rather than wait for reassessment. Much as he has not beaten much in his two wins, he is entitled to progressing. Classic Millennium gained back-to-back wins in July but, now four pounds higher than for the latest of those, has not found life as easy. Overall, though, we'll stick with Kuster.