mid-division, not much room 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead, kept on gamely
sooon led, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, no extra colse home
mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, driven over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, pushed along halfway, outpaced over 1f out
towards rear, brought wide and ridden over 2f out, never near to challenge
dwelt and towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden and every chance final furlong, kept on same pace
took keen hold behind leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never a factor
mid-division, headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, never dangerous
Illustrious Blue gets one last chance to get his head in front with London Express and Sapienza rating the main dangers. The selection was a good second behind Posessed last time out. That form sets the standard in the context of this race and under conditions that suit and from a good draw he will be hard to beat. London Express rates the main danger on his debut second behind Military Cross he looks sure to improve and should be noted in the market. Sapienza was a fair second on his debut behind King Alfie and is another that is sure to improve but he just gave the impression that he will be suited by a longer trip and for that reason is opposed. Of the remainder Pukka Tique is a well bred type and should be noted in the market but he may come on for the run and for the winner we return to Illustrious Blue who sets a fair standard.
Illustrious Blue 5-4fav (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, hung left from over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd near finish, 2nd of 10, hd behind Possessed (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) pol.
London Express (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Dwelt, outpaced, ridden and edged right over 2f out, stayed on to chase clear leader inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Military Cross (8-11) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd.
Sinner Or Saint (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Frank Crow (9-0) at Ayr 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
Pukka Tique 9-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, ridden and outpaced 3f out, kept on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 8, nk behind King Alfie (8-7) at Beverley 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd.
Sapienza 13-2 (8-4) In rear and outpaced, ridden 3f out, stayed on strongly towards finish, just held close home, 2nd of 8, hd behind King Alfie (8-7) at Beverley 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd.
Flying Clarets (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Lightning Affair (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug.
Shinko (IRE) 9-1 (8-2) Prominent, chased winner over 2f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Trafalgar Bay (9-0) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Ellesappelle 13-2 (8-2) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Dune Melody (8-4) at Hamilton 6f mdn aut stk (5) gs in Jun.