mid-division, ridden 2f out, driven and weakened over 1f out
in rear, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, driven and headed near line
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, challenged over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon pulled up and dismounted
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, no impression final 2f
held up, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead line
held up, headway 3f out, driven and one pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, driven and weakened over 1f out
The Classic Generation have held the upper hand in this event with eight wins to two in the past ten years. REDESIGNATION may be able to keep that run going with Greylami and Ordination clear dangers but they all have questions to answer as do a number of the others. Monte Alto is the most interesting older horse but he's far from certain to see out this trip; he's more than capable of winning if lasting home. Catching Crete, Luberon, John Terry and Smart Instinct right is far from easy, Bandama's losing run is longer than Spurs whilst the handicapper appears to have Samsons Son in a vice like grip. Whitcombe Minister and Crystal Rock are of interest but are doubtful stayers, Ordination is unexposed but may not have achieved a great deal in winning his maiden which leaves us with Greylami and Redesignation. The former beat two subsequent winners at Goodwood which suggests that a 6lb rise is far from insurmountable and, as a son of Daylami, he may conceivably improve for the trip but he hasn't always appeared to do a great deal in front. The selection also races from a 6lb higher mark and the second at Sandown also went on to score on his next start suggesting that he's not too badly treated. He's not as stoutly bred but his style of racing hints that he will get home and a string of consistent performances ensure that Redesignation receives the vote.
Monte Alto (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Took keen hold in mid-division, effort and hung left over 1f out, never reach leaders, 7th of 20, 11l behind Presvis (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Sept.
Crete (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Took keen hold towards rear, weakened 2f out, eased final furlong, last of 19, 23l behind Night Crescendo (8-11) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp (2) gs.
Luberon 11-4fav (9-4) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 12l behind Fragrancy (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Sept.
John Terry (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Keen hold in rear, ridden on wide outside and awkward 3f out, soon struggling, 14th of 18, 26l behind Baddam (9-4) at Goodwood 2m 5f hcp 0-95 (2) gf in Jul.
Smart Instinct (USA) 10-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, edged left and weakened over 2f out, 10th of 11, 18l behind The Last Drop (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Samsons Son 33-1 (8-7) In touch, effort 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 19, 2l behind Night Crescendo (8-11) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp (2) gs.
Whitcombe Minister (USA) 25-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, headway on outside 2f out, kept on nearest finish, 5th of 10, 4l behind Heaven Knows (9-1) at Ascot 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gs.
Redesignation (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, disputed lead throughout final furlong, nosed ahead on line, won at Sandown 1m 2f hcap (3) sft in Sept beating Dar Es Salaam (8-11) by a ns, 11 ran.
Bandama (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) In touch, carried slightly right well over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 9l behind The Last Drop (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Greylami (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) In rear, not clear run from over 2f out, switched left and then right over 1f out, gap soon appeared and led 1f out, soon drew clear, pushed out, readily, won at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Sept beating Red Merlin (8-4) by 1 1/2l, 10 r.
Crystal Rock (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, driven 2f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Dr Livingstone (8-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Sept.
Ordination (IRE) 7-4 (9-0) Tracked leader on outside, led over 4f out, ridden and stayed on strongly final 2f, driven right out, won at Newbury 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gf in Jul beating Dazzling Light (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
