never better than mid-division
always prominent, ridden over 2f out, edged left entering final furlong, led final 100 yards, ran on
tracked leaders, joined leaders 3f out, soon ridden, faded over 1f out
in touch, led just over 2f out, soon ridden, no extra when headed final 100 yards
keen in mid-division, headway over 3f out, effort 2f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden 3f out, headway 2f out, soon edged right, stayed on
led, ridden and headed just over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
restrained in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on past beaten horses from over 1f out
mainly towards rear
restrained behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Blue Monkey looks to be an improver and can continue that upward curve to take this from Padlocked, Bajan Pride and Leptis Magna. The selection has won three of his last six starts on different going, so he should be able to handle this. His latest win came at Sandown when he had a fair bit in hand and over a trip that looks ideal he can win again. Padlocked drops back to a mile after failing to handle the track and the watered ground at Goodwood last time. His first couple of wins were decent form and if back on song he can go very close. Bajan Pride and Leptis Magna come from yards who have each won this in the past two seasons. The former, a Richard Hannon inmate, is on a hat-trick and looks a serious danger after an eased down success last time, though a 7lb penalty won't help. Leptis Magna is another with possibilities but needs to show more on fast ground before carrying our cash and that role here goes to Blue Monkey.
Mubaashir (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Held up mid-division, lost place over 2f out, last of 15, 17l behind Gloved Hand (9-8) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Jun.
Padlocked (IRE) 11-4jt-fav (9-7) In touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 3l behind Rock Anthem (8-10) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Blue Monkey (IRE) 9-4fav (8-13) In touch, ridden over 2f out, chased leader 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, asserted close home, won at Sandown 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Jul beating Top Mark (9-3) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Bajan Pride 7-1 (9-6) Made all, quickened over 1f out, eased near finish, won at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (5) gd in Jul beating Awwal Malika (8-4) by 1l, 11 ran.
Regal Quest (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Close up, chased winner over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 2l behind What A Treasure (8-11) at Leicester 7f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (4) sft in Jul.
Leptis Magna 8-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, driven and kept on well inside final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Wovoka (9-11) at Ascot 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jul.
Okikoki 50-1 (7-12) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 14th of 17, 18l behind The Illies (7-7) at Ascot 1m 3yo hcp (2) gs in Jul.
Mark of Love (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, some headway over 2f out, never on terms, 7th of 13, 8l behind Ainama (8-2) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Moorlander (USA) 17-2 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 15, 8l behind Grey Rover (9-3) at Bath 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Princess Zada 11-8fav (9-6) Slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, ridden and edged left 2f out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Kims Rose (8-2) at Chepstow 7f fll hcp (5) hvy in Jul.
Fragrancy (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Led to 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 5th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Fongs Gazelle (8-9) at Goodwood 1m 1f fll hcp (3) gd.
