held up in 4th, closed to track leading pair 4f out, not clear run on stands side rail and switched right inside final 2f, led just inside final furlong, driven and stayed on well
led at good pace, pushed along early strength, strongly pressed 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, unable to quicken
tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
raced in 3rd until 4f out, closed and strong challenge from 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, stayed on
This four runner Listed contest looks set to be a tactical affair, and at the weights The Geezer looks favoured, but we shall side with Balkan Knight, who landed a similar contest last time, and enjoys the Esher track. The Geezer was runner up in the 2005 St Leger, and clearly has a touch of class. He has been lightly raced since however, though he did run well when chasing home Ivy Creek in a Listed affair at Pontefract. That only looked a run of the mill affair at this level, and The Geezer may once again be found wanting for a turn of foot. Finalmente has progressed remarkably, winning three handicaps last season, and belying a starting price of 66-1 to finish a highly respectable fourth in the Gold Cup. He has won on a soft surface and is not out of it. Balkan Knight's top effort this season was over the course and distance in a Group Two contest where he finished an excellent second. Third in a Listed contest on his re-appearance, he made no mistake at Musselburgh last time, driven out to score. He looks at the top of his game, and Balkan Knight can land this.
Balkan Knight 6-4 (9-0) Behind, ridden over 3f out, headway to challenge entering final furlong, soon led, all out, won at Musselburgh 1m 6f lst stk (1) gd in Jun beating Alfie Flits (9-3) by a hd, 5 ran.
Finalmente 66-1 (9-2) Raced in 4th, 4th and driven along straight, hung left 2f out, soon edged left, stayed on same pace, 4th of 14, 9l behind Yeats (9-2) at Ascot 2m 4f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
The Geezer 4-1 (9-1) Took keen hold in touch, led after 2f, driven over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Ivy Creek (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 4f lst stk (1) gs in Jun.
Alambic 11-8fav (9-7) Held up, headway 4f out, led final furlong, headed inside last, no extra, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Great As Gold (8-13) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
