Playful was just short of Listed class as a two-year-old and, from a mark of 80, has a solid chance in this large-field handicap. River Thames and Babyshambles are others to keep on the right side and should be noted in the betting, while Wibbadune arrives here in flying form and will be bidding for a fourth win from his last five starts. Wibbadune does have a career highest mark to contend with, though. So obviously faces a stiff test tonight. Babyshambles is another that has risen in the weights after a profitable campaign and needs a bit of luck to come his way. He is well drawn for a race of this type, though and should again be involved in the thick of the action. River Thames can be hard to predict and has dropped to a handy mark as a result of his erratic profile. The five-year-old has stacks of ability but can never be relied upon to deliver the goods when he arrives at the racecourse. Therefore, it can pay to take a chance with the lightly raced Playful, whose yard are enjoying a dream season and they appear to have another leading candidate for honours in the finale.
Classic Encounter (IRE) 10-1 (8-10) Led, headed over 1f out, weakened quickly, last of 7, 6l behind Elhamri (8-5) at Goodwood 5f hcap (2) gf in May.
River Thames 7-1 (9-11) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind John Keats (9-0) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-85 (4) frm in Jun.
Cape Royal 25-1 (9-11) Chased leaders to over 1f out, no extra, weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 4l behind Osiris Way (9-13) at Salisbury 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
First Order 11-1 (9-11) Mid-division, chased leaders halfway, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 5l behind Princess Ellis (9-0) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Brut 20-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out soon weakened, 7th of 9, 7l behind The Nifty Fox (9-9) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Rasaman (IRE) 15-2 (10-13) Held up, ridden halfway, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 13, 6l behind Town House (9-4) at Leicester 5f ldy rds hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Windjammer 5-1 (9-10) In touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Wotashirtfull (9-11) at Ripon 5f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Jun.
Baybshambles (IRE) 7-1 (10-4) Prominent, ridden halfway, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Town House (9-4) at Leicester 5f ldy rds hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Hawaii Prince 40-1 (8-7) Close up, weakened entering final furlong, 6th of 9, 7l behind The Nifty Fox (9-9) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Jilly Why (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Slowly into stride, in rear, never on terms, 10th of 13, 8l behind Misaro (8-9) at Chester 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Deserted Dane (USA) 15-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 11l behind Angus Newz (9-13) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun.
Almaty Express 11-1 (9-10) Led after 1f, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 5l behind Little Edward (9-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Jun.
Playful 7-1 (9-10) Steadied start, held up, headway over 2f out, chased leaders, hung left inside final furlong, ran on and gaining on winner near finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Osiris Way (9-13) at Salisbury 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Wibbadune (IRE) 4-1fav (9-2) Broke fast and led early, held up after, headway and edged right over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to take 2nd, not trouble winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Cheveton (8-11) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Firenza Bond 28-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 11l behind Little Pete (9-6) at Haydock 5f 3yo hcp (4) gd in May.
Inspainagain (USA) 11-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 11th of 15, 10l behind Kings College Boy (8-10) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
