made all, kept on well under pressure inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear and outpaced
chased leaders, chased winner approaching final furlong, stayed on towards finish
chased winner, one paced from well over 1f out
behind and outpaced, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
chased leader, headway and ridden 2f out, not quicken inside final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, no impression
reared, slowly into stride, always behind
reared start, slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
A tough one to call and the selection of Don Pele is made in the hope that he can return to something like his best. Cape Royal is also a likely contender at this level and, along with his stablemate Bluebok, can go close if he is in the right frame of mind today. All that said, Nusoor and Invincible Lad are others that arrive here in good form and can make this a good test. However, both appear to be at their limit regarding the weights and both need to pull something extra out of the fire to swing the result in their favour. Bluebok has plummeted in the ratings and his losing streak stretches back the best part of two years. Still, he ran more like his old self last time out and cannot be readily discounted. Cape Royal can help ensure this is run at a good tempo and has to merit respect in this company. Having won off a mark of 90, his current rating of 75 leaves him attractively weighted today. However, Don Pele is also well treated and just holds the edge on recent efforts. The gelding has steadily returned to form this season and, as he is likely to be suited by the way the race unfolds, Don Pele gets the nod today.
Cape Royal 8-1 (9-6) Leader, led narrowly over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, no extra final 100 yards and lost two places near finish, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Rocker (8-10) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Don Pele (IRE) 14-1 (9-8) Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out and weakened, 4th of 9, 8l behind Misaro (9-10) at Bath 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Ingleby Star (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Led, ridden headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Weet A Surprise (9-4) at Southwell 5f 2yo hcp 0-75 (6) fbs in Dec.
Feelin Foxy 10-1 (9-9) In touch, driven to lead 1f out, kept on until headed well inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 12, 3/4l behind Miss Daawe (9-0) at Thirsk 5f app hcp (5) gf.
Nusoor (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Made all, kept on gamely to withstand challenge throughout final furlong (hand timed), won at Chepstow 5f hcap (5) gf beating Equuleus Pictor (9-5) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Cosmic Destiny (IRE) 7-2 (9-13) Held up in touch, effort going well over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, not quicken, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Pretty Bonnie (8-0) at Warwick 5f fll hcp (5) gf.
Invincible Lad (IRE) 9-4fav (9-7) Chased leader, led over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ayr 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gd beating Until When (9-12) by 1l, 12 ran.
Niteowl Lad (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Prominent, hampered 2f out, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 9th of 15, 7l behind Taboor (8-8) at Yarmouth 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Bluebok 16-1 (9-8) Led narrowly, headed just inside final furlong, kept on, lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Drumming Party (9-4) at Salisbury 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Groundhog Day 50-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride and behind, never a factor, 15th of 17, 11l behind Lujiana (8-7) at Doncaster 5f app hcp (6) gd.
