led, ridden 2f out, in command when saddle slipped and headed inside final furlong
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, left in lead inside final furlong, stayed on
went right start, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous
slowly into stride, headway halfway to go in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
broke well, soon held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, left 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on close home
Making it onto our short list are Alhaitham, Star Crowned and Somersault, with the selection being Star Crowned. Alhaitham was disappointing at Goodwood last time, where he may not have stayed but, with his form rating in the 80s, he has to be given some thought today. However, Star Crowned's rating equates to about the same and, given that he might be a little more consistent than Alhaitham, we will side with him tonight. He deserves to win a race of this nature. Wince's brother, Border News, showed improvement last time, although that came in a modest Wolverhampton maiden, and Mocairde was very disappointing at Folkestone last time having shown some promise on his sole Irish run before that. Finally, Somersault showed some promise on his Salisbury debut and, with a more-experienced rider booked, cannot be ruled out; however, the vote stays with Star Crowned.
Alhaitham (USA) 2-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 13l behind Distinctive Look (8-7) at Goodwood 1m 1f mdn stk (5) gd in Jun.
Border News 11-2 (9-3) Chased leader, ridden over 2f out, every chance 1f out, not quicken, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Strawberry Lolly (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn stk (5) pol.
Cool Tiger Vettori colt, half-brother to 6f & 7f winner Riquewihr.
Manipulate 16-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, always in rear, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 25l behind Rhinebird (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Mocairde (USA) 8-1 (8-12) Took keen hold, held up, pushed along halfway, soon behind, 7th of 8, 23l behind Macedon (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf.
Somersault 12-1 (8-0) Held up mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 7th of 14, 8l behind Majaales (8-12) at Salisbury 1m 2f mdn stk (4) gd in Jun.
Star Crowned (USA) 7-4 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon beaten, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Fleeting Memory (8-12) at Bath 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gd.
