chased winner to 4f out, prominent, ridden halfway, driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always in rear, ridden and struggling over 2f out
always behind
slowly into stride, towards rear on inner, good headway on rails over 1f out, chased leaders when switched right and kept on well near finish
chased leaders on outer, went 2nd 4f out until over 2f out, weakened quickly final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never going pace to threaten leaders
mid-division, ridden halfway, kept on inside final furlong but not pace to trouble leaders
always behind
mid-division, driven along over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders
chased leaders, ridden on outside over 2f out, soon beaten
made all, ridden and in command final furlong, ran on well
took keen hold, prominent, chased winner over 2f out, no impression final furlong, held on to hold 2nd
Liberty Valance is a speculative pick in the finale with recent winners Moon Bound and Valatrix sure to have their supporters. The selection is a little exposed but five furlongs around Kempton is always difficult for a hold up horse and over a six that can favour the backrunner and with Seb Sanders booked, there is plenty to like on paper. Moon Bound made all to oblige in his maiden. He is related to Group winners so it is a question of how well the handicapper has done his sums. Valatrix showed improved form to take a Yarmouth maiden. There is more to come on that evidence. Bombardier Wells represents a yard that have been out of form for some time but they were at least able to send out a winner at the weekend. Todber makes a handicap debut. Lord Deevert is better known at plating levels. Dresden Doll was heavily backed at Leicester ahead of a recent engagement though never troubled the judge at any stage. A difficult race to get out on and Liberty Valance is our pick.
Dresden Doll (USA) 9-1 (9-4) Chased leader, ridden over 2f out, every chance well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 12, 9l behind House (9-4) at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Bombardier Wells 20-1 (8-7) Bumped start, held up, ridden over 1f out, never near leaders, 6th of 9, 7l behind Peter Island (8-12) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Moon Bound (IRE) 10-11fav (8-10) Made all, quickened clear 2f out, unchallenged, won at Lingfield 6f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Jan beating Eleanor Eloise (9-7) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Valatrix (IRE) 5-1 (8-7) Made all, hard driven approaching final furlong, stayed on well, won at Yarmouth 6f mdn aut stk (6) gf in May beating Buddhist Monk (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Liberty Valance (IRE) 5-2 (9-6) Hampered start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer, 4th of 6, 5l behind Le Toreador (9-0) at Kempton 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Balata 20-1 (9-12) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Superduper (9-13) at Chepstow 6f mdn hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Blue Zenith (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Chased leaders until weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 22l behind Candela Bay (9-3) at Salisbury 6f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (5) frm in Jun.
River N' Blues (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Mid-division until weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 15l behind Leonid Glow (9-6) at Warwick 6f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (6) gf in Jun.
Todber 16-1 (9-0) Keen, behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 7th of 12, 7l behind Profitability (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Minwir (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, won at Great Leighs 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun beating Swift Acclaim (8-10) by 3/4l, 15 ran.
Lord Deevert 12-1 (8-6) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, rallied to lead close home, won at Salisbury 6f 3yo hcp (6) gf beating Shakespeare's Son (8-9) by a hd, 16 ran.
Al Gillani (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Behind, under pressure halfway, never dangerous, 10th of 14, 15l behind Credit Swap (9-0) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
