held up in 3rd, effort after 4, soon beaten
soon led, headed approaching 4th, ridden 3 out, weakened next
with leader, led approaching 4th, ridden 3 out, kept on well
The winning run of Sovereign State came to an end at Plumpton last month when mid-division behind Torrid Kentavr but the six-year-old has the beating of French Mannequin on running that day and, with Tianyi seemingly little better than moderate, he gets the vote to win this. The selection has shown progressive form over hurdles this summer with wins at Stratford, Cartmel and Worcester and lost no caste in defeat at Plumpton recently. French Mannequin has shown a consistent level of form but probably needs more help from the handicapper, a comment that also applies to Tianyi so Sovereign State is the one to be on.