led after about 3f, clear over 1f out, kept on well
in rear, pushed along over 5f out, soon weakened
led for about 3f, tracked winner until weakened 3f out
towards rear, headway over 6f out, chased winner 3f out, no impression, lost 2nd near finish
tracked leaders, soon reminders and pushed along, struggling halfway
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, went 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
The smart Kings Palace won this last year but none of these are likely to scale the same heights. McCoy's mount Malibu Rock is a half-brother to Flat winner Royal Straight and was second on his racecourse debut at Towcester in February. Robbers Roost was second to the useful Billformthebar at Sedgefield in the spring but it may be worth giving another chance to BOOGIE IN THE BARN. Second at Exeter in April, he was taking on better opposition when fifth at Ascot on his reappearance. Newcomer Kikili has a nice pedigree and is worth monitoring for future reference.
Boogie In The Barn (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, pushed along in 6th over 3f out, went modest 5th well over 1f out, 5th of 10, 17l behind Pleasant Company (11-0) at Ascot 2m NH flat (4) gs in Nov.
Kikili Cotation gelding out of Dawn Frolics.
Malibu Rock 14-1 (11-4) Soon pressing winner, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, one pace, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Volt Face (10-9) at Towcester 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Robbers Roost (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, no impression on winner over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 12, 13l behind Billfromthebar (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (6) gd in May.
War Treaty (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Took keen hold tracking leaders, went 2nd over 6f out, pushed along over 3f out, lost 2nd soon after and weakened over 2f out, 7th of 10, 30l behind Assam Black (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gd in Nov.
Leith Hill Legasi 25-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, some headway on outside over 4f out, no impression, weakened 3f out, 8th of 17, 31l behind Kayfleur (10-9) at Warwick 2m mares n h flat (6) gs in Nov.