slowly into stride, behind and never a factor
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon beaten
mid-division, ridden and one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
held up mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, headway 2f out, ran on final furlong
mid-division, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
never better than mid-division
in touch, ridden over 1f out, chased winner final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
in touch, led over 1f out, driven out and kept on gamely final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and no extra final furlong
towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, one pace final furlong
A mass of previous course experience here and the selection of Midnight Parkes is made in the hope that he arrives in a similar frame of mind to the one he was in when running a blinder over course and distance last time. There are numerous threats though and strong cases have to be put forward for the likes of: Paddywack, who will be hard to keep out of the frame despite the suspicion that he is better over the minimum trip. Obe One, who deserves a change of fortune after meeting trouble in running a number of times this season. He has mainly performed with credit though and cannot confidently be ruled out. Whereas Parkside Pursuit and Zarzu (who is due to go up 8lb) are both very capable at this level and arrive here with their confidence buoyed from recent wins. It would also be very dangerous to ignore the possibility of a bold bid from Sion Hill, who was an expensive purchase that has yet to show his best. It can safely be assumed that he will need to start justifying his 375,000gns purchase price if he is to stay in training with Sir Michael Stoute and, considering his undoubted skill with older horses, the on-course bookmakers are unlikely to be taking any chances today. This will help deflect the attention away from Midnight Parkes, who is now on a 6lb lower mark than the last time he was successful. The low draw is also to his advantage and, assuming that Mathew Henry can again get the best out of Midnight Parkes, the Eric Alston-trained selection will be good value in a very tricky race to call.