keen tracked leader until 7f out, tracked leaders, went 2nd 3f out, soon led, pushed out, comfortable
Mankini caught out the handicapper when obliging first time out off a mark of 60, and though he heads into tonight's assignment some 16lb higher a victory at Doncaster suggested him as being still on the upgrade. Kittens has won here previously and wasn't too far away at Lingfield, but we prefer NAVE. The six-year-old took part in some hot handicaps when trained by Mark Johnston and while connections have had to exercise a degree of patience, they gained due reward with impressive victories at Windsor and Epsom. Almagest took part in some quality maidens when with John Gosden but he has clearly had training troubles in the interim. David O'Meara has taken up the gauntlet and he may just need a little more help from the handicapper before the five-year-old can be backed with confidence.
Almagest 25-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, not much room well over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 8l behind Chancery (9-11) at York 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Mankini (IRE) 5-6fav (9-1) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon clear and edged right, won at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Muzhil (8-11) by 9l, 7 ran.
Kittens 5-1 (9-12) Held up in 5th, headway 4f out, ridden 3f out, switched right over 2f out, one pace when edged left entering final furlong, no impression, 4th of 6, 4l behind Dazzling Valentine (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 3f fll hcp (5) fm.
Nave (USA) 7-4fav (9-0) Held up in rear, smooth headway over 3f out, led approaching final 2f, ridden and ran on, won at Epsom Downs 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Tingo In The Tale (8-11) by 4l, 7 ran.
