mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
steadied at start, held up towards rear, was never a factor
towards rear, headway over 1f out, was ridden and one pace final furlong
prominent, effort and not much room over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong was nearer at finish
towards rear never dangerous
towards rear, pushed along halfway, some late headway but was never able to challenge
prominent to halfway
never better than mid-division
led, headed over 2f out, ridden to regain lead over 1f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
prominent, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
in touch, raced wide 2f out, soon behind
held up, headway ovrer 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead well inside, kept on
towards rear, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, effort 2f out, soon outpaced
never better than mid-division
in touch, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, edged right and stayed on same pace inside final furlong
We are going to side with Blessed Place here ahead of Brigadier Monty and, possibly, Le Meridien. Izmail bounced back to form at Carlisle last time and a three-pound rise should not stop him from being competitive. Laurel Dawn has a chance based on his 2002 form, a similar comment applying to Port St Charles. Brigadier Monty would have a chance if getting back to the best of last season's form, so watch the betting market for clues with regard to his chances. He was backed at Windsor last time and does not have much to find with Blessed Place on that form. They are both well drawn and can go well. Flying Tackle was not far behind Izmail nine days ago and is weighted to get closer to him. He is also just three pounds above a winning mark but could have fared better with the draw. Ballybunion is always the type that can do well in this type of contest, but Le Meridien might find his penalty for his recent Thirsk win working against him today. A competitive race to close the card, then, with the call going to Blessed Place.