Firenze Rosa won on soft going at Goodwood two weeks ago, though that was over 6f. An easier surface should suit Sows but she needs some help from the handicapper. MELODY KING (NAP) won a similar race over course and distance on soft ground a little under a year ago. He’s only 2lb higher despite getting back on track at Beverley last month and the second that day went on to run well in a tougher sprint at York. Last month’s Windsor winner Sarah's Verse also goes on the shortlist along with the less-exposed Dream By Day, having a first run for new connections.
Sarah's Verse 9-2 (9-11) Tracked leader and took keen hold, pushed along 2f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Trusty Rusty (9-4) at Salisbury 6f hcp fll (4) gf in Aug.
Melody King (IRE) 11-2 (9-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, battled back and led again well inside final furlong, kept on, won at Beverley 5f hcp (5) gd in Aug beating Soul Seeker (10-2) by nk, 9 ran.
Sows (IRE) 10-1 (9-8) Dwelt and keen in rear, driven 3f out, made no impression, 7th of 8, 5 1/4l behind Antiphon (9-8) at Brighton 5f hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Mr Beaufort 11-4fav (9-8) Handy, pushed along and weakened tamely 1f out, last of 9, 10 1/2l behind Silky Wilkie (9-9) at Haydock 5f hcp (5) gs in Jun.
Dream By Day 5-6fav (9-6) Tracked leader, led 2f out, soon pressed, ridden edged left and asserted inside final furlong, won at Yarmouth 5f mdn stks (5) sft in May beating Navy Drums (10-0) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
Harb 28-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on, not get on terms, 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind Lipsink (9-13) at Windsor 5f hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Coup De Force 16-1 (9-7) Raced alone in centre of the course, chased leaders, pushed along 2f out, disputed lead over 1f out, no extra final 110yds, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Rabat (9-3) at Windsor 5f hcp fll (5) gs in Aug.
Secret Handsheikh 7-1 (9-9) Prominent, shaken up over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 6 1/4l behind Firenze Rosa (8-9) at Goodwood 6f hcp (5) sft in Aug.
Nubough (IRE) 18-1 (10-0) Led, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on, headed 110 yards out, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Sir Gregory (9-11) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Aug.
Firenze Rosa (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Held up in behind leaders, shaken up 3f out, driven along 2f out, good headway in between horses over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Goodwood 6f hcp (5) sft in Aug beating Mobarhin (10-1) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
