held up towards rear, strong headway from 2f out, led over 1f out, quickened clear, impressive
slowly into stride, always behind
chased leaders, ridden, slightly outpaced over 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd final furlong, no chance with winner
led 2f, tracked leader to 3f out, weakened rapidly, soon well behind
went right start, in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
squeezed out start, held up towards rear, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, not troubled leaders
never better than mid-division
started slowly, in rear, good headway on inner from 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, effort 2f out, soon outpaced
steadied start, took keen hold in mid-division, headway over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders
led after 2f, ridden, headed over 1f out, soon hung left, weakened
behind, ridden 3f out, never near leaders, beaten 2f out
went left start, in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, weakened quickly
Several of these are old rivals, so only a tentative vote of confidence is given to Quantum Leap, who is likely to represent better value than the likes of in-form rivals Fajr and Raza Cab, while Outer Hebrides and Spectait also hold each-way claims. Spectait enjoyed a solid campaign last year - improving as he gained in experience. However, the drop back to seven furlongs is as much of a concern as that of his long absence, so he may be best watched on this occasion. Outer Hebrides has been called plenty of names in the past and is never one to trust implicitly. He does, however, hold a good record of making the frame in this type of contest and it would come as no surprise to see him go close once more. Raza Cab is lightly raced but is still well treated on the best of his past form. He should still be capable of playing a strong hand in this company despite being on a 6lb higher mark than he was on when beating Fajr by a length and a half here in March. Fajr, himself, has really taken a shine to All Weather racing and is sure to be a popular choice. Frankie Dettori keeps faith with the son of Green Desert and the partnership make plenty of appeal for a saver option if the prices permit. However, the odds about Quantum Leap are more than likely to be too tempting to ignore when the best of his form is taken into account. This tough nine-year-old is a consistent type and rates as a sound each-way proposition in a very tricky handicap that will probably go right down to the wire.
Spectait 2-1 (8-12) Held up, in touch, headway over 3f out, every chance 2f out, soon ridden, hung left and weakened 1f out, 4th of 10, 7l behind Stronghold (9-7) at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Outer Hebrides 7-1 (8-12) Held up, effort on over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong to take 3rd final 75 yards, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Waterside (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcap (3) pol.
Irony (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, edged right over 1f out, not quicken well inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Lizarazu (8-0) at Warwick 7f hcap (4) gf.
Fajr (IRE) 4-1 (8-6) Soon switched right after start, held up towards rear, headway to lead over 1f out, soon ridden, idled near finish, won at Newmarket 1m hcap (3) gd beating Putra Kuantan (9-1) by a hd, 8 ran.
Glad Big (GER) 4-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Fajr (8-11) at Lingfield 1m hcap (4) pol.
Ali Bruce 5-2fav (9-7) Started very slowly, in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Raza Cab (9-5) at Lingfield 1m clm (5) pol in Mar.
Raza Cab (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (8-13) In touch, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, driven out, won at Kempton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar beating Fajr (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Quantum Leap 12-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, held on well, won at Kempton 7f hcap (5) std beating Adantino (8-10) by a nk, 14 ran.
