faltered soon after start, chased leaders, switched left over 3f out, never on terms, no impression over 1f out
prominent, ridden over 1f out, soon no chance with winner, stayed on
prominent, led 3f out, nudged along over 1f out, soon well in command, easily
prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong
soon led, headed 3f out, driven 2f out, soon edged left and weakened
prominent, outpaced 4f out, behind final 3f
ROWE PARK gets the vote in a what should be a tightly contested race. The selection won at Ascot in July and although disappointing since then his latest loss was excusable as he broke a blood vessel. He has a good record on the all-weather, won a Conditions Stakes here last year and at his best is the one to side with. There are concerns about how fit he will be on his return and Noble Storm is certainly up to the task if our pick fails to fire. Noble Storm has narrowly lost out twice, including once here against Captain Dunne. He looks a threat and Love Delta who has a cracking record at the course may be capable of a big run. Cloth Ears is the least exposed but has it all to do on official ratings, whilst course and distance winner Fitz Flyer has the services of Paul Hanagan.
Fitz Flyer (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden and lost place over 1f out, edged left and no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Genki (8-11) at Haydock 6f cond Stakes (2) gf in Jul.
Love Delta (USA) 22-1 (9-6) Dwelt and hampered soon after start, outpaced in rear and no chance after, last of 10, 9l behind Piscean (9-3) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Noble Storm (USA) 14-1 (9-6) Always prominent, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 21, nk behind Hoof It (9-2) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Rowe Park 50-1 (9-0) Held up, pushed along halfway, always behind, 11th of 15, 6l behind Borderlescott (9-0) at Goodwood 5f Grp 2 (1) gd in Jul.
Cloth Ears 14-1 (8-7) Tracked leader and keen, led entering final furlong, soon ridden, kept on, held on near finish, won at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Oct beating Aalsmeer (8-12) by nk, 12 ran.
Angus Newz 12-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 10, 9l behind Amitola (8-9) at Newmarket 6f fll hcp (2) sft in Sep.