tracked winner, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong
made all, ridden entering final furlong, driven out
dwelt and awkwardly away, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Another small-field tactical battle in prospect. Zagato will be popular after an easy Thirsk novice success but this looks harder off topweight. Il Bandito has been placed on all seven starts following his juvenile debut and, although perhaps not entirely straightforward, he usually runs his race. Magical Land has proved a wee bit disappointing this season and is now equipped with first-time cheekpieces. DICKENS won his race the last day in the stewards' room but it was still a good effort and he's coming along steadily. He receives considerable weight all round and gets the vote in a race that looks to be without a confirmed front runner.
Il Bandito (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Farasi Lane (8-13) at Sandown 7f hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Magical Land (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Close-up, pushed after 3f out, 3rd when ridden after 2f out, faded inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 4l behind Side Shot (9-7) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Dickens (IRE) 9-4fav (9-5) Steadied start, held up, headway over 2f out, bumped and challenged well inside final furlong, stayed on, just held, finished 2nd, placed 1st, 2nd of 9, at Nottingham 1m hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Zagato 2-7fav (9-2) Pulled hard, stumbled after 1f, chased leaders, smooth headway 2f out, pushed along and headed leader over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, easily, won at Thirsk 1m stks (5) gf in Jun beating Forza Orta (9-2) by 3 1/4l, 12 ran.