towars rear, headway 2f out, stayed on take 3rd inside final furlong, not troubled leading pair
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
mid-division, headway to go 2nd over 1f out, outpaced, no chance with winner
prominent on outer, ridden 3f out, no headway over 2f out
held up, headway to lead approaching 2f out, drew clear over 1f out, ran on
always in rear, never a factor
with leader, effort over 2f out, ridden, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, stayed on well from over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reached leaders
led narrowly, ridden, headed approaching 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon hung right, weakened over 1f out
always in rear, never on terms
towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
This is not as competitive as it first appears and My Mentor is a confident choice to beat Valley Observer and Encores. Sir Mark Prescott's charge showed great determination to beat Inquisitress over this trip at Lingfield last time. He is lightly raced and open to further improvement. The handicapper hasn't been harsh and he looks the best option. Valley Observer has been running well on the turf recently and did show plenty of promise on his only run here back in May. Meanwhile Encores did well under a penalty at Windsor last time and is partnered by the apprentice find of the season. One to keep an eye in the betting is the Cumani trained Peppermint Green, but My Mentor has the form in bag and he gets the decision.
Marriaj (USA) 20-1 (8-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 11l behind Samira Gold (8-12) at Ayr 1m 1f 3yo hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Valley Observer (FR) 4-1 (9-9) Tracked leader, led 3f out, strongly pressed and headed over 1f out, stayed challenging, held final 100 yards, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Azreme (10-0) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-70 (5) hvy.
Bajan Pride 2-1fav (9-1) Prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 8l behind Four Miracles (8-10) at Brighton 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gs.
My Mentor (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Tracked leaders on outside, reminders inside final 4f, driven to lead narrowly 2f out, gained upper hand final 100 yards, held on, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun beating Inquisitress (8-9) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Sweet World 5-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, soon close up, went 3rd on inside 4f out, chased winner under pressure over 1f out until well inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Shawhill (8-11) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo clm (5) gf in Apr.
Encores 5-1 (9-1) Led at decent pace, ridden and strongly pressed 2f out, soon headed, chased winner until entering final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Cnoc Moy (9-6) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Royal Guest 17-2 (9-1) Held up, forced wide over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Lawyers Choice (9-4) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jun.
Peppermint Green 9-2 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, one pace final furlong, 9th of 15, 8l behind El Toreador (9-0) at Salisbury 1m 3yo mdn fll (5) gf in Jun.