close up, ridden to challenge and every chance 1f out, no extra under pressure inside final furlong
tracked winner, stayed prominent in 3rd halfway, chased winner over 3f out, soon ridden, one pace from over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, every chance 1f out, slightly squeezed for room inside final furlong, kept on
made all, reminders over 6f out, ridden and veered badly left over 1f out, hard pressed 1f out, edged right inside final furlong all out
held up towards rear, moderate headway 2f out, never nearer
held up mid division, headway halfway to press winner, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
prominent, under pressure over 2f out and soon beaten
ridden along and behind, headway under pressure to chase leaders over 3f out, soon one pace
started slowly, always in rear and never travelling well
The finale at Kempton looks wide open but a tentative vote goes to Our Monogram to make the most of the weight that he receives from Henry Island and Dubai Seven Stars. The latter gained her first victory on the Flat when scoring at Warwick in July, but was behind Our Monogram at Sandown last time and surely cannot turn the tables on these terms. In any case, her main target will once again be the Tote Cesarewitch in which she was third last year. As for Henry Island, he has hit a rich vein of form despite his advanced years, winning three out of his last five starts. Mandy Bowlby's charge seems to save his best for Warwick though and can sometimes be a quirky character. Our Monogram could have done with a stronger gallop when a beaten favourite at Thirsk last time and hopefully will get that here. Successful at Ripon and Bath earlier this year, he will gallop on relentlessly to the end and is as honest as they come. Connections did toy with the idea of going over hurdles with him at one time, but as long as he pays his way on the level, those plans will remain on the back burner. Our Monogram is as good a choice as any in a hard one to call.
