led, ridden over 2f out, soon headed, kept on under pressure to lead again inside final furlong
in touch, effort over 4f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, switched left over 1f out, headway and every chance entering final furlong, not extra inside
always behind
tracked leader, headway and went prominent over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, led briefly over 1f out and weakend inside final furlong
in touch, effort over 4f out, soon ridden, headway to lead over 1f out, kept on until headed and no extra inside final furlong
Alma Mater was a costly failure last time out so we will pass her over again and instead side with Propaganda ahead of Mythical Story and the consistent Lochiel. The selection is not bomb-proof as she has failed to get the head in front in four attempts but she has shown plenty of potential and may well be better suited by this more conventional track rather than Brighton. Mythical Story steps up in trip and whilst she has started big prices on two starts to date, she shapes as if this extra distance will bring about some further improvement. Alma Mater now tackles the turf for the first time and she should be a big threat if the four month break has done her some good. Lochiel returns to Scotland having run well at Newcastle and whilst she is no star she should run her usual game race. Compton Falcon has shown ability so far but doesn't appear to be the most consistent, so with a sense of trepidation it is Propaganda who gets the nomination.
Alma Mater 1-2fav (9-8) Held up, headway to chase leaders 3f out, one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Chord (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Jul.
Compton Falcon 5-2fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, reminders 3f out, hampered over 2f out, soon driven and beaten, 6th of 7, 26l behind Crimson Monarch (9-3) at Brighton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gs in Oct.
Lochiel 8-1 (9-3) In touch, headway to chase winner 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Snake's Head (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 4f mdn aut stk (6) gs in Oct.
Danum Diva (IRE) 50-1 (8-7) Steadied start, in rear, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Ful of Grace (8-7) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gs in Oct.
Mythical Story (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Close up, ridden to go 3rd over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Abydos (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Propaganda (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) In touch, hung badly left from over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Crimson Monarch (9-3) at Brighton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gs in Oct.
Caviar Heights (IRE) 9-1 (8-7) Behind, ridden halfway, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous, 5th of 12, 8l behind Grethel (8-9) at Ayr 1m 1f 3yo clm (5) sft in Oct.
