held up in rear, pushed along over 4f out, never near to challenge
prominent, pushed along over 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f
dwelt and soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression
made all, ridden over 2f out, driven and kept on gamely final furlong
tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
never better than mid-division
Hezaam gets our vote in this handicap with Intavac Boy and Merrymaker put forward as the main dangers. The selection is on a handy mark at present and he exploited that when he won over course and distance earlier this month. He was impressive that day and there is every chance that he will be able to follow-up today. Intavac Boy was a fair second behind Fossgate last time and he is another that looks to be well-handicapped at present. The step-up in trip will suit and he is entitled to make the frame. Merrymaker did not have the race run to suit here last time when he also found trouble in-running, so with a bit more luck he should not be far away. Henry Cecil's Estrelle may prove best of the remainder, but for the winner we will return to Hezaam.
Merrymaker 6-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, driven over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Zarova (8-2) at Ripon 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Estrelle (GER) 6-1 (8-12) Mid-division, not much room over 3f out, soon ridden and no impression, 10th of 14, 19l behind Tilt (9-0) at Hamilton 1m 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in May.
Leslingtaylor (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Took keen hold to lead, headed over 3f out, soon beaten, last of 10, 35l behind McEldowney (8-12) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May.
To Arms 9-1 (9-6) With leader to over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 15, 9l behind Fossgate (9-6) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Hezaam (USA) 11-4fav (9-2) Made all, ridden clear over 1f out, comfortably, won at Ripon 1m 4f sll hcp (6) gf beating Bint Il Sultan (8-7) by 3l, 10 ran.
Intavac Boy 9-2fav (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed 1f out, not quicken, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Fossgate (9-6) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Dayoff (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Behind, pushed along 7f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 10th of 14, 7l behind Lake Wakatipu (9-4) at Chester 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (5) gf.