chased leaders, ridden to challenge 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish
mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, ran on to lead towards finish
held up and keen, never dangerous
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace and no impression
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace
held up, ridden along 3f out, never on terms
chased leaders, one pace final 2f
behind, never dangerous
steadied start, held up behind and keen, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace and no impression
Several of these hold fair claims, but a chance is taken that the back-to-form Kaymich Perfecto has not stopped improving for the season and is selected ahead of Saxon Lil and Iskander, who are both capable of making this a good test. The same has to be said of Fair Shake, who is a tough customer on his day and again holds each-way claims. The five-year-old will appreciate what give there is underfoot and can do his bit to make this competitive. Iskander hails from a yard in good form and should make a bold bid. However, he has been running as if the handicapper is in charge; even though he has won off a higher mark in the past. Saxon Lil is open to improvement back over a mile and is entitled to go close on recent form. He was far from disgraced in defeat at Sandown ten days but is expected to be more suited to this flatter track. Watch the market where he is concerned. However, preference goes to Kaymich Perfecto, who is proving to be a tough and reliable performer. The son of Sheikh Albadou is a previous course and distance winner that is expected to make this a happy return to his favourite hunting ground.
Isidore Bonheur (IRE) 6-1 (9-9) In touch stand side, driven and effort when not clear run 2f out, switched left and ridden inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Roman Maze (9-5) at Redcar 7f hcp (4) gf.
Kelucia (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Musicanna (9-6) at Newbury 1m hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Oman Gulf (USA) 14-1 (9-11) In touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, hung right entering final furlong, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 6l behind Go Solo (9-1) at Redcar 1m hcp (4) gf in Jul.
Fair Shake (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) Behind, out paced halfway, ridden and headway on outside over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, hd behind Rohaani (9-8) at Thirsk 1m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Saxon Lil (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Mineral Star (8-13) at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp (3) gd.
Kaymich Perfecto 6-1 (9-1) In rear until halfway, headway on outside 2f out, ridden and ran on to press winner inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Elidore (8-12) at Chepstow 1m hcp (5) gf.
Iskander 2-1fav (10-13) Tracked leader, led 7f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 11, 11l behind Kylkenny (10-5) at Beverley 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Snow Bunting 5-1 (9-1) Always in rear, 8th of 10, 7l behind Mugeba (8-3) at Yarmouth 7f hcp (5) gd.
