tracked leader, led 9 out until 8 out, led again 5f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, lost place 5f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
steadied start, held up in last place, smooth headway from 3f out, led on bit 1f out, comfortable
led, headed 9f out, led again 8f out, headed 5f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
close up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, ridden and weakened 3f out
held up in touch, headway to join leader 3f out until 1f out, ridden and no extra
prominent, ridden and outpaced approaching 2f out, kept on final furlong
slowly away, headway on outside 5f out to go prominent, led 3f out, headed 1f out, ridden and kept on, no chance with winner
held up, headway to chase leaders 5f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
The in-form Artzola is selected ahead of Gran Cliquot, Mister Completely and Iceni Warrior. The last named has found his level since dropping into this type of contest and, as a lightly raced gelding, he may still have scope to improve. His previous efforts at this track have left a lot to be desired though and he now has something to prove. By way of contrast, Mister Completely copes well with the polytrack and should be capable of making the rest aware of his presence. He does lack a change of gear however, and may need at least a couple more furlongs to be seen at this best these days. Gran Cliquot was well held by the selection when they met at Kempton last time, so obviously needs to post a better effort today. He is capable of doing so when he is on song, so any market support would not be without foundation. However, Artzola does not have many miles on the clock for a six-year-old and, as she seems to have found a new lease of life over this sort of trip, the Alzoa mare is fancied to continue to flourish in this company.
