led, headed over 6f out, chased winner until no extra inside final furlong
chased leader, led over 6f out, kept on well from over 1f out
towards rear, ridden and headway well over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner well inside final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong
held up in touch, weakened over 2f out
held up, weakened over 2f out
Elopement is on a role and is fancied to complete the four-timer; View From The Top and Dollar Chick can chase him home. Mark Brisbourne's five-year-old was a facile winner at Ascot in a better race than this and must have solid claims under a penalty. The one worry would be the ground as he needs to get his toe in, but with the right weather we should keep the faith. If the rain doesn't come, it may pay to side with View From The Top. Not beaten far last time at Brighton, Sir Mark Prescott's charge is certainly no world beater but nevertheless looks a threat. Dollar Chick is one who will certainly appreciate quick conditions, and expected to appreciate the step up in trip, he must be feared. Nelson's Column, Campli and Run Free are all out of form so cannot be put forward with any confidence, whilst Calatagan could be of more interest. Likely to come on for his recent run, this fairly useful dual performer has the ability to be a threat. A tricky handicap, but assuming the rains come then it is Elopement who looks the one to side with.
Nelsons Column (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Led, ridden, headed over 3f out, soon beaten, tailed off, last of 8, 42l behind Toparudi (9-13) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcap (4) gs in Sept.
Elopement (IRE) 13-2 (10-5) Took keen hold, prominent, chased leader going well 3f out, led over 2f out, soon clear, easily, won at Ascot 1m 4f amt hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Sept beating Apache Fort (10-7) by 6l, 11 ran.
Dollar Chick (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Steadied start and held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 8, 8l behind Soul Mountain (9-4) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Sept.
Calatagan (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 42l behind Balakar (8-9) at Ayr 2m 1f hcap (5) sft in Sept.
Campli (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Mid-division, headway 5f out, lost place over 3f out, last of 11, 24l behind Casual Affair (9-1) at York 1m 6f app hcp (5) gf in Sept.
Run Free 20-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 14, 6l behind Nans Best (9-4) at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp (5) gs in Sept.
View From The Top 6-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon challenging but no impression on winner final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Chunky's Choice (9-3) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Sept.
