led steady pace, quicken over 3f out, headed 1f out, edged left under pressure, weakened close home
pulled hard towards rear, headway over 3f out, hard ridden to lead 1f out, ran on well
tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon every chance, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on well, not reached winner
held up in touch, under pressure over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, edged right under pressure over 1f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway over 4f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on under pressure, not pace to challenge
held up towards rear, headway well over 1f out, soon short of room, never on terms
Course and distance winner John Terry looks capable of repeating the dose here, with Tartan Tie and Motarjm looking the biggest dangers. John Terry has some rock solid form to bring to this contest and remains very competitive from this mark of 93, despite a couple of recent defeats. Amanda Perrett has her runners in cracking form and the gelding can add to her good run. Tartan Tie won't be found wanting for stamina. He was a good Southwell winner last time and also had the speed to win over 1m 2f on turf last year, so this trip will suit. However, one previous try on this surface proved a flop and we will oppose today. Motarjm is an improver who has run up a hat-trick, all at Wolverhampton, going up 17lb in the process. His yard has just gone off the boil at present so we will oppose this time. Bahar Shumaal can't be discounted after a good reappearance run at Kempton, while Paktolos is capable of going close as one who gets this trip and enjoys it here, if coping with his current mark. An intriguing handicap then, and John Terry gets the nod.
Bahar Shumaal (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Led until headed over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Philatelist (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.
Watamu (IRE) 11-2 (9-5) Tracked leader to over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 8l behind Philatelist (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.
John Terry (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) In touch, effort 2f out, ran on close home, nearest finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Philatelist (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.
Paktolos (FR) 12-1 (10-0) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, went far side, soon outpaced, tailed off, last of 7, 30l behind Castle Howard (10-0) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Jun.
Tartan Tie 4-1 (9-4) Made virtually all, ridden and joined 3f out, edged right over 1f out, forged clear near finish, won at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Mar beating Bentley Brook (9-2) by 3l, 9 ran.
Prince Sabaah (IRE) 16-1 (9-8) Led 1f, tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 19, 3l behind Whenever (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Motarjm (USA) 10-3fav (9-2) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar beating Casual Affair (8-10) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Zero Cool (USA) 7-2 (9-5) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, soon in rear, eased over 1f out, last of 12, 22l behind Alfresco (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
King's Head (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 16l behind Silver Pivotal (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
