tracked leader, ridden and effort 2f out, not quicken and one pace from over 1f out
in rear, good headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
soon led, ridden 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, caught near finish
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, soon weakened
took keen hold in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, kept on one pace
close up, quickened to chase leader inside final furlong, led near finish
started slowly, took keen hold, settled in rear, never dangerous final 2f
mid-division, ridden and outpaced from 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden and effort well over 1f out, no headway and weakened quickly final furlong
held up behind mid-division, stayed on from over 1f out, not troubled leaders
behind, some moderate late headway over 1f out, never nearer
slowly into stride, always out-paced towards rear
A trappy closer and DUKE OF MILAN is selected at the expense of Reigning Monarch and Bollin Franny. Duke Of Milan has now dropped to a mark of 52 and while one has to allow for some decline in ability with respect to his age, the five-year-old has won here previously under today's rider and has to be respected on this occasion with a favourable draw. Reigning Monarch is difficult to catch right. He would have solid claims on a recent fourth at the course though that came with an unfortunate rear at the start. Bollin Franny hasn't shown much on this surface in the past. A record of 1-21 is no great shakes but a combination of Natalia Gemelova and some help from the handicapper could work in his favour. Bye Baby Bunting dead-heated in a handicap at Folkestone during the summer. That obtained off 46 though tonight he needs to do the business off 50. Calabaza put his best effort of the season in at Goodwood. The cheekpieces have been left off again. Talcen Gwyn is entirely capable though has had a modest season. The booking of Richard Hughes on River Kirov looks significant and the market is closely watched. Bountiful Bay has shown little to write home about. Duke Of Milan gets the nod in a poor race.
Reigning Monarch (USA) 5-1 (8-12) Dwelt and behind, headway 2f out, effort over 1f out, driven and one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 4l behind Hurricane Coast (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
Duke Of Milan (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, kept on, never dangerous, 5th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Patavium Prince (9-10) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jul.
Bountiful Bay 11-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, led over 1f out, hard ridden and headed inside final furlong, weakened quickly, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Scruffy Skip (9-0) at Great Leighs 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Bye Baby Bunting 9-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden half way, short of room when held inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 8l behind Piccolo Diamante (8-12) at Great Leighs 6f app hcp (6) pol in Sept.
Calabaza 16-1 (8-7) Prominent, ridden to challenge 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just outpaced by winner, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Enodoc (9-2) at Goodwood 5f app hcp (5) gf in Sept.
River Kirov (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Held up in touch, every chance entering final furlong, soon one pace, 4th of 11, 2l behind Milne Bay (9-0) at Great Leighs 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Talcen Gwyn (IRE) 40-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 11l behind Dazed And Amazed (9-7) at Bath 5f clm (6) gf in Sept.
Currency 33-1 (8-9) Always towards rear, 12th of 16, 17l behind Kyllachy Storm (8-10) at Bath 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Bollin Franny 9-1 (8-2) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 16, 6l behind Multahab (8-8) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sept.
Bilboa 9-2 (8-12) Held up behind leaders, smooth headway, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 6l behind Megalo Maniac (8-12) at Southwell 6f app hcp (6) fbs in Oct.
Exit Strategy (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on, 4th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Kyllachy Storm (8-10) at Bath 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Cranworth Blaze 10-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, outpaced, 8th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Tanley (8-12) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
