mid-division, ridden over 3f out, ridden and switched left over 1f out, soon every chance, no extra inside final furlong
reminders start, always behind, no impression
prominent, ridden 3f out, challenged 2f out, led 1f out, ridden out, readily
held up last, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
led and set slow pace, quickened pace after 2f, ridden 3f out, headed 1f out, no extra
mid-division, ridden and chased leader over 3f out, one pace
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
Trachonitis has sound claims but we're going to side with Hawridge King. The selection stepped up on the form of his reappearance to finish an excellent third to Bukit Tinggi at Haydock last time and is able to race from the same mark this afternoon. His modest strike rate is offputting but he's relatively unexposed at extreme distances and may be able to gain a second success. Trachonitis has leading claims as he may still be progressing and a 4lb rise for his win at Newmarket may turn out to be a shade lenient. That handicap looked competitive, he won in good style and holds a favourite's chance. Support for Wise Owl would be worth noting but he's never been one to rely on whilst Optimus has his stamina to prove at this trip and could be found out in the closing stages. They All Laughed is running well but won't be helped by a 2lb rise for his close up third at Nottingham on his latest start. Trew Style isn't dismissed and Fascinatin Rhythm shaped slightly better last time but we'll be hoping that it's Hawridge King that can get the better of Trachonitis.
Wise Owl 9-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge and carried head to one side over 1f out, not pace of front pair near finish, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Captain General (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct '06.
Trachonitis (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, smooth headway well over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Newmarket 1m 6f hcap (4) frm in May beating Brief Goodbye (9-1) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Optimus (USA) 33-1 (9-4) Reluctant and soon in rear, ran on inside final furlong, never a factor, 5th of 11, 6l behind Hatton Flight (8-7) at Goodwood 1m 4f hcap (4) gd in May.
Hawridge King 11-2 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, no impression, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Bukit Tinggi (9-5) at Haydock 1m 6f hcap (4) gf in May.
They All Laughed 16-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway on outer from over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon edged left, headed and no extra near finish, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Lapina (8-7) at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Trew Style 15-2 (9-4) Raced keenly, led over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 6, 8l behind Merrymaker (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Fascinatin Rhythm 25-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden well over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Hits Only Vic (9-4) at Ripon 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
King's Fable (USA) 11-2 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, led well over 1f out, hung right and headed inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Fenners (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
