dropped into rear at start, headway from over 3f out, joined winner and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in rear, headway from 2f out, ridden to chase winner approaching final furlong, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and ran on final furlong
in rear, ridden and weakened 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong
Four of these met at Epsom where DONA ALBA came out on top and she's fancied to do so again en route to lifting the prize. Seeking The Buck, Mega Watt and Blue Spartan are interesting alternatives. Duncan won that Epsom race and he has gone on to win in Listed company so Dona Alba deserves plenty of credit for getting as close as she did that day. She's entitled to come on for that outing and rates the one to beat. Kavachi, Goodwood Starlight and Kaleo were all behind at Epsom and it's hard to see why they should reverse the form even allowing for the differing natures of the tracks. Serious Choice won well at Yarmouth but is taking on tougher opposition whilst Bandama just doesn't win often enough. Seeking The Buck didn't take to hurdling but could be interesting back on the level whilst Mega Watt won't need to have improved exponentially from three to four in order to win races from his current mark. Blue Spartan returned in a competitive mile handicap where he lacked the pace to take a hand but he has ability, is unexposed and could see out this trip. There are a fair few ifs and buts around though with the exception of one horse, Dona Alba.
Dona Alba (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, keen, soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, chased leading pair approaching 1f out, stayed on, 3rd of 20, 3l behind Duncan (9-7) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (2) gd in Apr.
Bandama (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Held up, behind from 3f out, 8th of 11, 29l behind Millville (10-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Goodwood Starlight (IRE) 66-1 (8-13) Always in rear, 16th of 20, 14l behind Duncan (9-7) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (2) gd in Apr.
Kavachi (IRE) 10-1 (8-9) In rear, ridden and headway from well over 1f out, soon one pace, 9th of 20, 7l behind Duncan (9-7) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (2) gd in Apr.
Seeking The Buck (USA) 5-4fav (9-2) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, edged right 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 8, 6l behind Gyroscope (8-13) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcap (3) gd in Sep '07.
Kaleo 66-1 (8-8) Mid-division, short of room entering final 2f, never dangerous, 11th of 20, 8l behind Duncan (9-7) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (2) gd in Apr.
Serious Choice (IRE) 20-1 (7-11) Steadied in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged left, ridden out, won at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Apr beating Mystery Star (8-13) by nk, 8 ran.
Mega Watt (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) Mid-division, hampered inside final furlong, lost 4th close home, 5th of 18, 1 1/2l behind Timetable (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Blue Spartan (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Behind, pushed along halfway, never in contention, 12th of 19, 16l behind Trafalgar Bay (9-5) at Ascot 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Apr.
