tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, stayed on until headed near finish, not pace of winner
mid-division, headway inside final 2f, ran on final furlong, driven to lead near finish
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, effort 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, weakened over 1f out
steadied start, soon in touch, effort 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
led until headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, soon in rear
held up behind, ridden, wide straight 3f out, weakened 2f out
settled in rear, ridden 3f out, no impression final 2f
prominent, ridden to join leader, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, late headway from 2f out, never dangerous
Modafaa gets the nod over Nobelix in the finale, although it would not be surprising to see Annibale Caro and Stretton also go close. Stretton has been a great servant to his connections and showed that he is no back number by winning at Chester 12 days ago. He races off only a 5lb higher mark today but doesn't have too much to find to make the frame once more. Annibale Caro was possibly over the top when he finished down the field when he last raced. The betting market will be a good gauge as to how he has strengthened during the winter and he is one to monitor closely. Nobelix showed a good level of progression last season and has to be respected. Nevertheless, some of his stablemates have needed their first run of the season and he may just be better for the outing. Therefore, we turn to the race-fit Modafaa, who gave a good account of himself behind a very well handicapped rival at York last week. It is noteworthy that Paul Webber turns him out so quickly and we fancy Modafaa to come good while he is obviously thriving on his racing.
Given A Choice (IRE) 25-1 (8-4) Led, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 42l behind Tartouche (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcap (2) sft.
Dower House 20-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 11, 6l behind Tabadul (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f hcap (4) std.
Annibale Caro 2-7fav (10-3) Led, hung left over 4f out, headed over 2f out, hung badly left and lost action over 1f out, virtually pulled up, last of 5, 19l behind Kyle of Lochalsh (8-12) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Aug.
Modaffaa 8-1 (9-0) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 15, 5l behind Sphinx (8-3) at York 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
Ocean Avenue (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Raced freely, led, kept on well when pressed from 2f out, headed and not pace of winner final 100 yards, held on for 2nd, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Top Seed (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Stretton (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Behind, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Chester 1m 4f hcap (4) gs beating Jack of Trumps (9-2) by 1l, 13 ran.
Nobelix (IRE) 10-3 (8-11) Tracked leader and keen, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1l behind Virtue (9-1) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Sept.
Dovedon Hero 11-2jt-fav (9-8) Held up, headway over 4f out, coaxed along to challenge over 1f out, out battled inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Linden Lime (8-7) at Kempton 2m hcap (5) pol.
