slowly away, held up in rear, promising headway to track leaders 4 out, ridden and weakened final 3f
led for 1f, tracked leader to over 2f out, weakened quickly
took keen hold in touch, effort over 3f out, weakened inside final 3f
held up, headway on outside over 2f out, driven to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong
ridden to lead after 1f, headed over 1f out, soon lost 2nd, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, soon tracked leaders, driven and weakened 3f out
held up and always behind
held up in rear, headway under pressure 2f out, soon one pace and no impression
in touch, headway to chase leader 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong stayed on well
Nonrunner
Nobelix could be ahead of the handicapper and we will favour him vis-a-vis In The Lead and Aquilonia. James Fanshawe's charge ran a solid race in a competitive Newmarket handicap and while it is of some concern that he has not troubled the judge in six starts, his overall form profile is ultra-consistent and in receipt of significant weight from the others, we are prepared to take him on trust. In The Lead is probably at her optimum trip today. She does not look anything out of the ordinary but her stable are continuing in reasonable form. Aquilonia had showed a modicum of ability prior to her most recent start. That run at Newbury was too bad to be true and forgiving that, she would hold a claim. Prime Powered has dropped down the weights somewhat but still looks desperately out of form. Robbie Can Can has only just returned from a seasons absence and is watched in the market for any signs of life. Swainson has been described as another Joe Bear by his trainer last season. Unfortunately, his form this year has not reflected that. Nobelix is the bet for us.
Swainson (USA) 4-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 11l behind Gallant Boy (8-9) at Epsom 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Jul.
In The Lead (USA) 7-2 (8-3) In rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Political Intrigue (8-8) at Pontefract 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gf in Jul.
Perfidious (USA) 16-1 (8-12) Led, ridden when headed over 3f out, weakened, 5th of 10, 21l behind Stolen Hours (9-2) at Epsom 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Aquilonia 10-1 (8-8) Prominent until weakened 2f out, last of 15, 35l behind Tawqeet (8-9) at Newbury 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Blazing The Trail (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Behind, headway 2f out, edged right over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 17, 2l behind Duelling Banjos (8-11) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp (E3) gd in Oct.
Nobelix (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Gringo (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Prime Powered (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along 4f out, soon beaten, 10th of 12, 21l behind Tybalt (8-5) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Bienheureux 7-1 (9-4) Held up, headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 11l behind The Nawab (8-9) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp (5) gf in Jul.