tracked leaders, disputed lead after 5th, lost place 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
held up, headway 4 out, effort after next, weakened 2 out
led to 5th, chased leaders, weakened 3 out
held up, driven and headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace, no impression
in touch when hung left and pulled up before 6th
held up, headway 7th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
with leader, led 5th, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders on outside, lost place 5th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
always prominent, headway to lead 2 out, ridden and kept on flat
mid-division, headway 4 out, ridden 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 5th, led briefly before 2 out, ridden and kept on same pace flat
A tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Sultan Fontenaille, According To Pete and Malay and the tentative vote is given to According To Pete. The selection won well last time out when beating Paperprophet and although having a penalty for that win he again has conditions to suit and this progressive type is taken to defy the handicapper. Sultan Fontenaille rates the main danger as he won in facile fashion last time out when beating Wot Way Chief. However this looks more competitive and he will need to improve again to win off this higher mark. Malay is another that could go well on his latest win over Imtihan but all his best form is on a softer surface and he looks opposable on that basis. Romany Prince was a fair second behind Midnight Creek when last seen but the suspicion is he may just need the run after a 291 day absence. Of the remainder Treaty Flyer was a fair second behind Moon Catcher last time and is another with place claims but he looks weighted up to his best and with this in mind for the winner we return to According To Pete.
Romany Prince 10-3fav (11-12) Chased leaders, led and jumped right 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, edged left from last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Midnight Creek (11-2) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Aug.
Malay 14-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 7th, led last, kept on gamely, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Apr beating Imtihan (10-9) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Almnadia (IRE) 40-1 (11-8) Led, headed 3rd, ridden, weakened 5th, 10th of 12, well behind Guru (10-11) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in May.
The Rising Moon (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Always in rear, 8th of 12, 46l behind Guru (10-11) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in May.
According To Pete 3-1fav (10-5) Mid-division, headway 4 out, led 3 out, ridden out, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (4) gd in May beating Paperprophet (11-12) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Classic Event (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Held up, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, one pace, 3rd of 10, 4l behind Toulouse Express (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May.
Treaty Flyer (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, every chance 3 out, ridden to chase winner next, kept on from last, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Moon Catcher (11-5) at Aintree 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in May.
Sultan Fontenaille (FR) 12-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd beating Wot Way Chief (10-8) by 10l, 16 ran.
