tracked leaders, in 3rd, went 2nd 6th, challenged leader on bit before 2 out, soon led, easily
led, clear from 3rd until 4 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened before last
tracked leader to 6th, regained 2nd from last, no chance with winner
in rear and in touch, weakened from 4 out
NonRunner
Not an easy opener simply because both RUSSIAN REGENT and Knocklayde Sno Cat are scheduled to run on Tuesday evening and it's impossible to know if either or both will come here. Both are at home on testing ground and should the 12-year-old take his chance for the second time in 24 hours, he could prove hard to beat ahead of stable companion, John Monash. The topweight was an easy winner here in mid-July when the combination of soft ground and a step up in trip saw a much-improved showing. He should stay this far and would be the choice if Russian Regent fails to show. Traditional Dancer should not be ruled out though for the burgeoning Jardine and Shortall combination. He's already proved useful over timber but has yet to confirm his ability over trip and ground.
John Monash 2-1 (11-5) Held up, mistake 3 out, headway next, led soon after 2 out, ridden and ran on, won at Perth 2m 4f (4) sft in Jul beating Enzani (10-12) by 14l, 8 ran.
Traditional Dancer (IRE) 8-13fav (11-6) In rear and in touch, went 2nd from 5 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Move To The Groove (11-7) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp (3) gf in May.
Russian Regent (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Led, jumped left 8th, ridden and jumped left 3 out and next, pecked on landing last, soon headed, driven and rallied to lead again final 75 yards, gamely, won at Perth 3m hcp (3) gd in Jun beating Baileys Concerto (11-5) by nk, 7 ran.
The Jazz Singer 7-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2 out, edged left and one pace flat, 4th of 10, 4 1/4l behind Faraway Mountain (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in Jun.
Knocklayde Sno Cat (IRE) 7-2 (10-5) Close up, ridden and headway 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 15 1/4l behind John Monash (11-5) at Perth 2m 4f (4) sft in Jul.