raced alone on stands rail, led or prominent throughout, every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish
chased leader in centre until ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders in centre, outpaced over 2f out, no impression after
chased leaders in centre, ridden in 3rd 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
soon outpaced in last, always behind
led centre group, overall leader but pressed inside final furlong, edged left, holding rival towards finish
The competitive nature of this contest sees just 3lb between the field on official ratings, although three-year-olds receive the age allowance. A case can be advanced for all but Tukhoom has topweight and a strike rate of 2-24, Keepup Kevin is two from two this term but prefers cut in the ground and there's nothing between Global Spirit and Esprit De Corps on recent running at the revised weights. Golden Force possibly needs to improve a level so the choice is REAL SMOOTH. The Hannon charge has posted good runner-up efforts in large-field handicaps the last twice when indicating that the move back up this 7f trip would elicit further improvement.
Tukhoom (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Led, headed well over 1f out, beaten after, one pace, 4th of 11, 4 1/4l behind Kaeso (9-12) at Doncaster 7f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Keepup Kevin 3-1fav (9-12) Chased leader, led over 1f out, ridden final furlong, held on well, won at Beverley 7f hcp (5) gs in Jun beating Waqt (9-12) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Global Spirit 11-8fav (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway chasing leaders 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, ran on to lead final 50 yards, won at Ayr 7f hcp (5) gf in Jul beating Esprit De Corps (10-0) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Esprit De Corps 7-2fav (9-4) Held up towards rear, steady headway on inside over 2f out, strong run between horses towards finish, went 2nd near finish, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Ramesses (8-11) at Ayr 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Real Smooth (IRE) 6-5fav (9-1) Close up, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 16, 1l behind Lapidary (8-10) at Lingfield 6f stks (5) gd in Jun.
Golden Force 6-1 (9-0) Prominent, under pressure when edged left over 1f out, soon one pace, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Second Collection (9-1) at Windsor 6f hcp (4) gf in Jun.