chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
with leader, keen hold, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased leaders, every chance from well over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch, pulled hard, headway on outside over 1f out, led inside final furlong, quickened clear
dwelt, held up, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, held up, never on terms
In an interesting novice event, The Old Fella is selected ahead of Chin Wag, Top Bid and Romanov Dynasty. Much as The Old Fella just scrambled home last time, the trip as much as anything else contributed to that last time and he can go well today dropped back in distance. His Windsor Castle run the time before rates as very solid juvenile form. Chin Wag scored impressively on his debut and rates as interesting, as does Top Bid, who scooted up at Leicester. The well-bred Reeball looks certain to improve a lot on his Chepstow debut, while Habalwatan, Hamoody, Romanov Dynasty, Rule Of Life and Time For Change all have something to like on breeding and add plenty of interest to this affair. Overall, though, we will just side with proven form and select The Old Fella.
The Old Fella 4-7fav (9-3) Tracked leader, challenged 2f out, soon ridden and edged left, led over 1f out, hard ridden final furlong, just held on, won at Epsom 7f 2yo mdn aut (4) gd beating Tudor Prince (9-3) by a shd, 9 ran.
Chin Wag (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ran on well, won at Leicester 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jun beating Beautiful Madness (8-1) by 4l, 8 ran.
Top Bid 4-7fav (9-3) With leaders, led on bit over 1f out, shaken up, quickened clear, won at Leicester 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in May beating Kaladar (9-3) by 8l, 7 ran.
Reebal 11-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, no impression, 6th of 14, 7l behind Kyshanty (9-0) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Habalwatan (IRE) In The Wings colt out of a lightly-raced mare.
Hamoody (USA) Johannesburg colt out of Northern Gulch.
Romanov Dynasty (IRE) Green Desert colt, half-brother to the winning jumper Lakil Princess.
Rule of Life Dansili colt, half-brother to numerous winners up to 7f.
Time For Change (IRE) Elnadim colt out of a moderate racemare.