soon tracked leaders on outer, effort 2f out, not quicken final furlong, kept on same pace
chased leaders, slightly short of room over 1f out, unable to challenge, one pace inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, ran on to chase winner final furlong, no impression
held up in rear, in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders
led until headed just over 2f out, kept on until weakened quickly inside final furlong
With Louie Louie unlikely to take part, Hot's form is as good as any on offer and Richard Hannon's speedy colt is taken to score, with his main rivals reckoned to be Past Tender and Corrib. Seventh in Newbury's Super Sprint when a little unlucky in running two runs ago, Hot followed that up with a fair fourth in a Newmarket nursery. Much as the third let the form down during the week, Hot's overall form should see him competitive today. Past Tender won nicely at Chester but then was slightly disappointing when third when sent off as favourite for a four-runner affair at Bath last time. However, he can go well today, as can Corrib, who was well beaten in a seven-furlong Listed event last time but, before that, had run well at today's trip at that same level. Finally, much as Sand Cat is seeking a three-timer, the value of his form leaves him something to find. This returns us to the selection, which is Hot.
Sand Cat 5-6fav (9-5) Held up, headway 2f out, driven along over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, kept on, won at Beverley 5f nov stk (4) gd in Jul beating Celeritas (8-12) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Hot (IRE) 13-2 (9-7) Close up, ridden, every chance and hung left 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind New Art (8-11) at Newmarket 6f 2yo hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Louie Louie (IRE) 8-11fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, held up, headway to lead 1f out, soon clear, won at Brighton 5f 2yo mdn aut (6) frm in Jul beating Lady Zanzara (8-9) by 3l, 6 ran.
Past Tender (IRE) 6-4fav (9-2) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Waterline Twenty (8-9) at Bath 5f nov stk (5) frm in Jul.
Corrib (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, weakened quickly over 2f out, last of 11, 26l behind Confidential Lady (8-9) at Sandown 7f 2yo lst fll (1) gf in Jul.
Piccostar 4-1 (8-1) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, last of 5, 3 1/2l behind Angus Newz (8-9) at Yarmouth 5f nov fll stk (6) gs in Jul.