in touch in 4th, in 3rd before 2 out, soon pushed along, weakened before last
held up towards rear, headway before 2 out, chased winner after last, kept on and held run-in
led, headed before 4 out, narrowly led when fell 4 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd 4 out, one pace in 3rd from last
tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed narrowly when left in lead 4 out, kept on well run-in
always towards rear
BEYONDTEMPTATION has an excellent record around here and looked to win by half the track last time. The confirmed trailblazer has her conditions once again and can defy a 7lb punishment for her latest rise despite stepping up a grade now. Verona Opera is consistent and reliable but may lack the requisite tactical speed here and Cousin Oscar is the one who could upset the course specialist, not least because he seems almost certain to try and take on our selection up front. Captain Brown is useful and it will be fascinating to see how his normal hold-up tactics work out against the frontrunners. He'll be looking to pick up the pieces late on. Desert Island Dusk and Pads will need to improve on achievements to date in what looks a hot little heat.
Cousin Oscar (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) With leaders, reminders after 4th, soon lost place, tailed off 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Captain Brown 17-2 (11-6) In rear, fell 5th, at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Beyondtemptation 3-1 (11-7) Made all, drew readily clear after 3 out, unchallenged after, very easily, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May beating Border Breaker (11-11) by dist, 6 ran.
Verona Opera (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, left 2nd last, unable to challenge winner, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Caius Marcius (11-9) at Perth 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Desert Island Dusk 15-8fav (11-3) Held up in rear, headway from 6th, 2nd and hung left before last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Cape Hideaway (11-3) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May.
Pads (IRE) 5-6fav (11-0) Last until went 3rd at the 5th, went 2nd next and soon given reminders, 13 lengths off winner 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 4, 10l behind Lakeshore Lady (10-7) at Worcester 2m 4f (5) gf in May.
