always behind
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, headway to challenge entering final furlong and kept on to lead close home
soon tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over final furlong
mid-division, ridden well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside last, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, headway to challenge over 1f out, led briefly inside last, headed and no extra close home
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden halfway and gradually weakened final furlong
Nonrunner
Robin Bastiman always has to be respected when he sends one up to Musselburgh and the in-form Valiant Romeo is fancied to come good again here; possibly with the most to fear from He's A Rocket and Champagne Cracker. The last named is holding her form well and looks to be coming to hand at the right time for this. Any rain will be a plus for her, though. He's A Rocket is also that is in great heart and should make another bold bid. He is only 4lb higher than for his win on the All Weather last time and may not have stopped improving yet. However, preference goes to Valiant Romeo on this occasion. The five-year-old was unlucky not to get the better of Seafield Towers when they fought out a good finish at Ayr 10 days ago. The revised terms are very much in his favour this evening and, as Valiant Romeo is only 1lb higher than he was when scoring here last May, he looks to be exceptionally well treated to make this a successful return to Edinburgh for his connections.
Mister Marmaduke 100-1 (7-12) Missed break, always behind stands' side, last of 15, 12l behind Dunn Deal (7-12) at Newcastle 6f hcp (2) gd.
Champagne Cracker 13-2 (8-3) Went right start, in touch, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Rudi's Pet (8-10) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4) gf.
Vigorous (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Prominent for 3f, 11th of 16, 9l behind Brigadore (9-7) at Pontefract 5f hcp (5) gf.
Four Kings 50-1 (9-8) Always behind, last of 17, well behind Romil Star (9-7) at Catterick 1m 4f amt hcp 0-75 (F) sft in Aug.
He's A Rocket (IRE) 5-2fav (9-3) Made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on, won at W'hampton 5f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) pol beating Rock Fever (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Valiant Romeo 15-2 (8-7) Led stands' side, ridden over 2f out, kept on until headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 16, hd behind Seafield Towers (8-13) at Ayr 5f hcp (6) gf.
Betty's Pride 8-1 (8-8) Dwelt and soon mid-division far side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 8th of 16, 3 1/2l behind Seafield Towers (8-13) at Ayr 5f hcp (6) gf.
Seafield Towers 20-1 (8-13) Prominent stands' side, ridden over 2f out, kept on gamely to lead close home, won at Ayr 5f hcp (6) gf beating Valiant Romeo (8-7) by a hd, 16 ran.