held up in touch, raced keenly, driven over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
started slowly, pulled hard in rear, never dangerous
held up in rear, never dangerous
always behind
held up in touch, driven over 3f out, weakend well over 1f out
tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well
held up mid-division, headway over 6f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, lost place over 2f out
led to over 3f out, soon hard driven, weakend over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, not paced to challenge
held up in touch, headway over 2f out, soon hard driven, never reached winner
Irish Quest is a sporting choice to land this competitive handicap. Hippodrome is another interesting contender to bear in mind, while Salute can also make the rest aware of his presence. Salute has been given a chance by the assessor and is in the right grade to make a bold bid. Still, he does find winning to be a tough process and is not one to rely upon too heavily. The much travelled Hippodrome has to be given a mention, as he stays this trip well and, having been sharpened up by an outing over jumps eight days ago, there is nothing to worry about regarding his fitness. It has been a long journey since the son of Montjeu was trained by Aidan O'Brien, but he is pitched at the right level and cannot confidently be discounted. However, Irish Quest is now getting some slack in the ratings and is approaching a winning mark. The return to two miles will suit the Michael Jarvis-trained colt and he is a worthy contender for taking this by the scruff of the neck, if he has half a mind to do so.
Calculating (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden and no impression on leaders 2f out, weakened quickly, 11th of 12, 17l behind Desert Sea (9-9) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
William's Way 12-1 (8-12) Started slowly, took keen hold towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, ridden well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 4l behind Bid For Glory (9-2) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec.
Hippodrome (IRE) (8-11) 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Nesstor at Neuss 1m 1f stk sft in Dec '06.
Kames Park (IRE) 20-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Cotton Eyed Joe (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
Irish Quest (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) In touch, effort behind leaders 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, beaten when hampered and snatched up well inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 9l behind Desert Sea (9-9) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Salute (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Close up, effort 2f out, no quicken over 1f out, stayed on once pace, 5th of 13, 4l behind Cleaver (9-9) at Newbury 1m 5f hcap (5) sft in May.
Ursis (FR) 33-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 7l behind Cotton Eyed Joe (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
Right Option (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, behind, headway under pressure over 1f out, soon edged right, stayed on one pace, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Alnwick (8-12) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) frm in Jun.
Alonso de Guzman (IRE) 9-4fav (9-7) Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 2l behind Fenners (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jun.
Leyte Gulf (USA) 11-4fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, keen, headway and switched left over 2f out, chased clear winner entering final furlong, closed inside final furlong, never quite getting there, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Moonshine Beach (9-3) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (.
Mister Completely (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, moderate late headway, 7th of 12, 12l behind Moonshine Beach (9-3) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jun.
