prominent, in lead over 4f, clear over 1f, pushed out final furlong
always rear division
in touch, driven over 3f out, one pace until weakened final furlong
soon led, headed and remained in touch over 4f out, chased winner final 2f
held up behind leaders, driven over 3f out, one pace until weakened final furlong
held up, headway over 4f out, driven and one pace final 2f
behind, headway on inner over 4f out, effort over 2f out, no impression
Optimum is the preferred option over Madiba and Salut Saint Cloud in a race that makes limited appeal. That said, it will also be interesting to see if Robert Winston can get a good tune out of Victory Quest, as he knows the gelding well and will be live to his quirks. Salut Saint Cloud will be a popular choice if the best of his form is taken into account. The gelding has won over a variety of trips and has to be a player at this level, while Madiba has claims on the pick of his All Weather efforts. However, Optimum makes more appeal as a betting proposition and gets the nod on this occasion. Like most of the field, the selection, has been plying his trade over jumps lately but returns to the Flat on a feasibly attractive mark. The four-year-old goes well here and with his fitness proven, Optimum is fancied to provide his trainer with a welcome winner if all goes to plan for his today.
Salut Saint Cloud 9-2 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway 3f out, kept on final furlong, never reached challenging position, 7th of 11, 8l behind Montosari (11-2) at Lingfield 2m amt hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Proper Article (IRE) 7-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, ridden in moderate 5th approaching straight, soon no impression, 7th of 16, 12l behind Thru'thechair (9-3) at Galway 1m 4f hcp 45-70 gs in Sept.
Madiba 9-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 8l behind Salute (10-3) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Victory Quest (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 8th of 11, 31l behind Flame Creek (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f hcap (5) fbs.
Optimum (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 5f out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 25l behind Flame Creek (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f hcap (5) fbs.
Acceleration (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden over 5f out, lost place over 4f out, soon tailed off, last of 11, well behind Danzatrice (8-12) at Ayr 1m 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Aug.
Kalush 100-1 (8-7) Held up, pushed along over 5f out, soon beaten, 4th of 5, 25l behind Flame Creek (10-1) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.