made all, ridden over 2f out, pushed out final furlong, comfortably
held up last, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
prominent, ridden and chased winner over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, not pace of winner
chased winner, ridden over 2f out, drifted left final furlong, kept on same pace
mid-division, ridden and drifted left 2f out, weakened final furlong
pulled hard and chased leader, joined winner and ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
The short list here has to consist of Kyshanty, Hephaestus and Racing Stripes, with the vote going to Hephaestus. Kyshanty improved from his debut to win well at Chepstow and, although the form is a little hard to quantify, he is entitled to some thought today. Hephaestus scored on his Lingfield all-weather debut and, with the third having run well in Listed company this week at Newmarket, the form might be better than it initially seemed. He too is respected. As is Racing Stripes who made it third time lucky at Windsor last time, in so doing confirming his improving status. Cesc is six pounds better off for three lengths based on that effort but the others are hard to build strong cases for. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Hephaestus.
Kyshanty 50-1 (9-0) Always prominent, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf beating Auction Oasis (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Hephaestus 13-2 (8-11) Dwelt, soon in touch, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead near finish, won at Lingfield 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol in Mar beating Fast Freddie (8-12) by a nk, 10 ran.
Cesc 66-1 (8-12) Pulled hard, held up in touch, ridden 2f out, driven and beaten over 1f out, 6th of 9, 9l behind Hoh Mike (8-12) at Windsor 5f nov stk (4) gf in May.
Rambo Honours (IRE) Dilshaan gelding out of an unraced mare.
Avoid The Cat 25-1 (9-3) Started slowly, soon outpaced behind, never a danger, 12th of 15, 24l behind Traffic Guard (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
Cantique (IRE) Danetime filly out of a moderate racemare.
Red Hot Jazz (IRE) 40-1 (7-13) Behind, ridden halfway, headway over 2f out, weakened under pressure over 1f out, 5th of 15, 9l behind Dhanyata (8-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn fll aut (4) gf in Jun.
Racing Stripes (IRE) 10-3 (9-3) Raced against near side rail, made all, ridden and in command 1f out, comfortably, won at Windsor 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jun beating Abunai (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.