held up in rear, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden and no impression
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leader, led over 2f out, ran on strongly
held up in touch, smooth headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, not quickened inside final furlong
in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, no impression when not much room 2f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, pushed along 4f out, brief effort 2f out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, pushed along over 3f out, hampered over 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Stallone is a consistent sort, and he gets a tentative vote to notch his third victory of the season, with Ruby Legend, Rotuma and Repulse Bay also on the shortlist. The latter sprang a big shock when scoring at Doncaster in June, but has since shown that to be no fluke by winning over this course and distance and although disappointing last time out, he would have a chance if things fell right for him here. Ruby Legend hinted at a return to form when second at Haydock last time and Mary Reveley's gelding is back on a reasonable mark so would also come into the reckoning. Rotuma was a winner at Hamilton in May and shaped well when third at Pontefract last time so could easily reach the frame at least, but we just prefer the chances of Stallone. A dual course and distance winner earlier this year, he has not been disgraced in three starts since, and this return to a track he clearly loves just tips the balance in his favour.
