made all, never in any danger, came clear final 2f, unchallenged (hand timed)
chased winner, driven along over 2f out, soon no chance
BIG ISSUE has the best form and he is taken to get back to winning ways. Richard Hannon's colt was unlucky to bump into the smart Titus Mills at Goodwood but performed with credit, only going down by half a length. He seemed to get the longer trip well and in this easier grade he is expected to prevail comfortably. Pearl Arch has scope for further improvement as he goes up in trip, whilst similar comments apply to None Shall Sleep. Highlife Dancer's form looks less solid but he has been given a break and may be capable of more improvement, a comment that applies to the authoritative Lingfield winner Thomas Tompion with any rain in his favour. Blue Deer completes the field and whilst his pedigree gives out mixed messages the feeling is that this stiffer test will suit.
Big Issue (IRE) 5-2 (9-0) Chased winner until 5f out and again over 3f out, driven and strong challenge entering final furlong, every chance until found no extra final 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Titus Mills (9-0) at Goodwood 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gd.
Highlife Dancer 6-1 (9-3) Held up behind, headway on inside over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on well, won at Yarmouth 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) gf in Jul beating Sixty Roses (8-12) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
None Shall Sleep (IRE) 9-1 (9-5) Unseated rider behind stalls, reared start, held up, bumped inside final 4f, driven and headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Forjatt (9-5) at Nottingham 6f 2yo nov stk (5) gf in Aug.
Pearl Arch (IRE) 4-6fav (9-3) Prominent, led entering final furlong, soon ridden, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, held on towards finish, won at Newcastle 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd beating Calypso Magic (9-3) by nk, 10 ran.
Thomas Tompion (IRE) 11-8fav (9-3) Made all under favoured stand side rail, ridden 1f out, ran on, eased near finish, comfortably, won at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs beating Monsieur Jamie (9-3) by 4l, 8 ran.
Blue Deer (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Held up in touch, headway over1f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Ebony Song (9-3) at Brighton 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) gd.
