chased leaders until halfway
with leader, led halfway, driven out
tracked leaders, every chance 2f out, soon ridden, no impression, weakened final furlong
raced wide, in touch, ridden halfway, soon weakened
in touch until halfway
keen, held up in rear, switched left 4f out, ridden and headway on inside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
outpaced, wide into straight over 2f out, driven, some headway, never nearer
soon outpaced, ridden halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
held up in touch, improved approaching 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
Sharp Hat is in great heart at present and could be capable of getting his head in front once again, with Ellens Lad, Royal Grand and Mr Pertemps the likely dangers. The 10-year-old got to within two lengths of Hurricane Coast over this course and distance last time, and a reproduction if that effort should suffice. Mr Pertemps looks the main danger as this gelding from the in-form Richard Fahey yard won well last time at Wolverhampton over this trip, and as he has also won over this course and distance he has to be respected. Ellens Lad showed he still retains ability when a surprise winner at Wolverhampton last time. He had never previously won over 6 furlongs or on the all-weather, but providing he can transfer the form of that run to this track he could go well. Royal Grand was having his first run since June when finishing a well-supported third behind Quite Times here last time, and if the market speaks in his favour again it could be worth taking the hint as he hails from a shrewd yard. But Sharp Hat rarely lets his supporters down and in a competitive race he is given the tentative vote.