held up in 4th, raced keenly, improved over 3f out, edged right when beaten over 1f out
steadied start, held up in last, well in touch 3f out, beaten 2f out
tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, not quicken and held inside final furlong
tracked leading pair, challenged over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well
held up in 5th, raced keenly, headway under pressure over 2f out, stayed on final furlong but not pace to trouble front pair
LAAHEB's star is in the ascendancy and he's fancied to climb another rung on the ladder although it's offputting that over twenty representatives from the classic generation have run in this race since they were last responsible for the winner. Prince Siegfried or perhaps Perks may be the ones to profit if he fails to break the cycle. This does represent a step up in class for Laaheb but he was most impressive when comfortably accounting for a fair field at Pontefract and connections appear to hold him in some regard. Prince Siegfried has had a quiet season for his new connections but has been well placed to win both his starts and the form of his win at Ayr was given a boost when the runner-up comfortably landed a Listed race against her own sex at Lingfield on Thursday. He's the one to beat in this line-up. Hebridean has plenty to prove whilst the admirable Suits Me looks vulnerable to something with a touch of class. Saphira's Fire ran a blinder to finish just behind the principals in the Pride Stakes but the drop back in trip in a small field is by no means certain to bring out the best in her. Perks has been a trifle disappointing this season but in fairness to John Dunlop's gelding he's rarely had his ideal conditions and he looks unlikely to do so here unless the heavens open. Preference, therefore, is for Laaheb.
Hebridean (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) In rear, ridden 3f out, no impression, last of 12, 21l behind Steele Tango (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) gd.
Perks (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Always towards rear, 9th of 10, 18l behind Heliodor (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f stks (3yo+) (3) pol in Sep.
Suits Me 66-1 (8-13) 8th of 13, 6l behind Pipedreamer (8-13) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 2f Grp 2 gd.
Prince Siegfried (FR) 11-8fav (8-8) Made all, raced centre from over 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ayr 1m 2f Listed stks (1) gd in Sep beating Baila Me (8-9) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Laaheb 11-10fav (9-10) Made all, quicken pace 2f out, clear entering final furlong, pushed out comfortably, won at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Sep beating William Blake (9-10) by 4l, 5 ran.
Saphira's Fire (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Dwelt, switched right soon after, held up in last place, headway on inside over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ridden and ran on inside final furlong, not reached leading pair, 3rd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Ashalanda (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 4f fll stks G2 (1) gd.
