mid-division, headway approaching 6th, wend 2nd after 3 out, soon ridden, no chance with winner from next, hit last
held up, headway 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out
prominent, not fluent 2nd, reminders after next, weakened 6th
tracked leaders, led and hit 6th, drew clear from 2 out, pushed out
always behind
keen, led until 4th, ridden after 3 out, weakened quickly
held up, headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened next
not fluent 1st, soon tracking leaders, led 4th until 6th, soon hung left and weakened
mistake 6th, always towards rear
This looks to be between Archduke Ferdinand and Quinte du Chatelet, although there'll be supporters too of Option Money, but we'll side with Archduke Ferdinand. 2 weeks ago the selection romped home by 26 lengths here over a slightly longer trip, with both Beauchamp Viking and Brave Jewell well down the field. He's giving weight away all round, but can defy that. Quinte du Chatelet, representing the Pipe Scudamore combo, hasn't been able to follow up a debut success at Taunton, and indeed fell last time out when leading close to home. He may like the ground softer. Option Money is from the in-form Tim Vaughan yard, and if either of the other two encounter any problems could be the one to capitalise. But to land the opener we'll go with Archduke Ferdinand.
Archduke Ferdinand (FR) 6-5fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 5th, led 7th, clear 2 out, easily, won at N Abbot 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gf in Jul beating Think Lucky (11-0) by 26l, 15 ran.
Quinte du Chatelet (FR) 5-1 (11-1) Led, not fluent 5th, 3 lengths lead and ridden when fell 3 out in race won by Winsley Hill (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Jun, 11 ran.
January Man (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Chased leaders to 6th, tailed off, last of 13, well behind Advancement (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jul.
Minella Pleasure (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Towards rear, mistake 3rd and pulled up at the 4th in race won by Let Him Off (11-12) at Tipperary 2m 7f beg chs gf in Jun, 11 ran.
Option Money (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) In touch, challenged 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 12, 18l behind Heezazari (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
Tapimix (FR) (10-10) Mistakes and behind, no chance when behind Royal Denpasar (10-12) at Auteuil 2m 2f hdl in May, 14 ran.
Beauchamp Viking 66-1 (10-11) Held up, hit 5th, soon weakened, tailed off, 12th of 15, well behind Archduke Ferdinand (11-0) at N Abbot 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gf in Jul.
Passato (GER) 33-1 (9-7) Soon led, headed 3f out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 30l behind Willie Ever (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jun (Flat).
Three Half Crowns (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) In rear, struggling when jumped right 5th, 7th of 15, well behind Red Admiral (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Brave Jewel (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Towards rear, ridden and effort 7th, weakened next, 9th of 15, well behind Archduke Ferdinand (11-0) at N Abbot 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gf in Jul.
Cherryficial (IRE) (12-0) fell 3 out in race won by Burnt Oil Babe (12-0) at Lemonfield 3m ire ptp gs in Mar, 17 ran.
