led far side to 2f out, soon weakened
raced far side, always in rear
tracked leaders near side, ridden and effort over 2f out, beaten over 1f out
tracked leaders far side, outpaced 2f out, soon behind
reared start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, kept on to chase far side leader inside final furlong, never nearer
in touch near side, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
tracked leader far side, led 2f out, no chance with near side group over 1f out
in touch wide near side, effort over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
made all near side, stayed on strongly final furlong
in rear near side, steady headway over 1f out, went 2nd 1f out, always held by winner
tracked winner near side, ridden 2f out, kept on, lost 2nd 1f out, one pace
close up far side, under pressure 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, held up behind near side, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, not quicken, one pace afterward
A tough handicap to assess but Royal Challenge does appear to have strong claims and is taken to beat Chimali and Great Fox. Gerard Butler's colt easily landed a Beverley maiden back in July, before following up in a decent Sandown handicap. He has since run with distinction in two classified events, back in handicap company today he could return to winning ways.Chimali returned to winning ways at Lingfield last time when fitted with a visor, if the headgear has the same effect today he will be a big threat to the selection. Great Fox is making a belated seasonal debut after progressing nicely last season. He is very highly thought of by connections and we are sure the trainers patience will be rewarded, he looks a decent each-way prospect here. Of the others Bathwick Bill may also be vying for a place, but for the winner we return to Royal Challenge.