mid-division, ridden and went 3rd over 2f out, driven to lead final 100 yards, all out
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no headway and never a factor
tracked leader to over 3f out, soon ridden, struggling final 2f
led, ridden and headed 2f out, left in lead well over 1f out, kept on, headed final 100 yards, lost 2nd final strides
held up, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, hung badly left soon afterwards and headed, hung badly left again just inside final furlong, rallied to snatch 2nd final strides
in rear, ridden 3f out, no impression on leaders, kept on final furlong, never nearer
Liberate continues in fine fettle and can defy another rise, with Souffleur, Doctor Scott and Green Room three potential dangers. Sir Mark Prescott has in the main placed Liberate to good effect this season, the gelding having won three of his last six starts, going up from 56 to 72 in the process. He absolutely demolished some admittedly exposed rivals at Lingfield last time, scoring by no less than nine lengths, and now resides on a mark of 74, just 2lb higher, with his 5lb penalty. Due to go up 7lb on Saturday, he runs here from a choice of entries this week, and indeed if successful, should be noted if turning out again quickly. Souffleur lines up in form, but has given his best with more give in the ground, while Doctor Scott, a beaten favourite at Hamilton, has to give weight away all round. Green Room kept on well under pressure when third at Newmarket and is worth a go over this longer journey, while Los Cabos gave a good enough account over this distance when chasing home Strategic Mount at Nottingham, and is worth another try at least. However, Liberate appears to hold all the aces in a race that has been kind to favourites over the last eight years.
Doctor Scott 5-4fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, headway to lead over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Bronze Dancer (9-2) at Hamilton 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Green Room (FR) 7-1 (8-11) Always prominent, ridden 2f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Best Prospect (9-9) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Los Cabos (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, headway to chase winner over 2f out, one pace and no impression, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Strategic Mount (9-2) at Nottingham 1m 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Liberate 8-13fav (8-10) Led after 1f, made rest, drew clear from 3f out, very easily, won at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Dark Parade (8-13) by 9l, 9 ran.
Som Tala 9-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace, 4th of 5, 3 1/2l behind Bauer (8-11) at York 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Twill (IRE) 40-1 (9-7) Prominent, driven along over 4f out, hung left over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 12th of 15, 16l behind Bauer (8-6) at Newbury 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Brigadore (USA) 20-1 (9-7) Held up, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 11, 12l behind Gower Song (9-4) at Newmarket 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Souffleur 5-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, good headway in centre over 1f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, stayed on well, won at Sandown 1m 6f 3yo hcp (4) sft in May beating At The Money (8-3) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Zurbaran (IRE) 50-1 (8-13) Chased leader until over 6f out, remained close up, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 7l behind Bandama (9-7) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
