ridden 6f out, weakened 3f out, virtually pulled up from over 1f out
led, hung right throughout, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, held on for 2nd
held up in rear, good headway from over 4f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on
track leaders, ridden 3f out, driven and stayed on towards finish
track leader, ridden over 4f out, hung left and weakened over 1f out
stumbled start, held up in rear, ridden 6f out, weakened 3f out
A tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Olimpo, Takafu and Rehearsed and the tentative nomination is given to the progressive Olimpo. The selection has been in good form of late and won well last time out when beating Daring Racer with plenty in hand. Granted that was over a longer trip but this shorter distance need not be a problem and he is taken to win again. Takafu rates the main danger as he beat Prince Zafonic last time out, but this looks more competitive and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Rehearsed is another that could go well on his latest second behind Squadron. He will appreciate the return to this faster surface and should be watched in the market. Prince Sabaah is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he just gave the impression the handicapper had caught up with him last time when second behind Noojoom although he could improve for this longer trip. Of the remainder Salute is hard to win with and Olimpo who is in the form of his life is taken to defy the handicapper again.
Takafu (USA) 9-4jt-fav (9-1) Tracked leaders, riden to lead over 2f out, pressed over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, held on, all out, won at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jul beating Prince Zafonic (8-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Olimpo (FR) 9-4fav (9-4) Made all, in command final furlong, stayed on gamely, won at Sandown 1m 6f hcap (4) gd in Jul beating Daring Racer (8-8) by 2l, 5 ran.
Sphinx (FR) 14-1 (9-2) Held up in last pair, headway on outside 4f out, driven 2f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 6l behind Odiham (9-6) at Ascot 2m hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Jul.
Salute (IRE) 16-1 (9-9) Held up mid-division, raced centre over 7f out, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon one pace, 4th of 9, 6l behind Nobelix (9-4) at Newmarket 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.
Prince Sabaah (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, effort 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to take 2nd near finish, not pace to reach winner, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Noojoom (8-13) at Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Rehearsed (IRE) 5-1 (10-0) Prominent, ridden 3f out, stayed on well final 2f, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Squadron (9-1) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Jul.
Dzesmin (POL) 5-1 (9-5) Led, driven over 2f out, headed, outpaced over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Turn Of Phrase (8-10) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) hvy in Jul.
Calzaghe (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Held up in 8th, pushed along 4f out, headway under pressure inside final 2f, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Duty Free (9-5) at Sandown 1m 6f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
