led early, with leader, ridden every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish
in touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong
pulled hard, chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway and not clear run over 2f out, soon switched left, ridden and ran on to lead post
steadied start, held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reached leaders
always behind
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on nearest the finish
keen, soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed post
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
pulled hard, in touch, switched left then headway halfway, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
This is a hard one to call, with so many recent winners in opposition, and only a tentative vote goes to State Dilemma over Breathing Sun, Le Tiss and Top Spec. Vodafone Derby entry State Dilemma is only lightly-raced but has already proven his worth when accounting for subsequent York winner Putra Sas at Newbury last month. That form entitles him to carry topweight in this nursery and he should make a bold bid to follow up. Breathing Sun is on a hat-trick after back-to-back successes at Ripon and Doncaster. The latter victory was gained despite a slow early pace and a strongly-run race will suit Bill Musson's youngster. Le Tiss comes from a stable very much in form again and who excel in these type of events, while Top Spec is a course and distance winner who lost his chance at Haydock due to a slow start. In a wide open contest, State Dilemma can defy topweight.
