tracked leaders, led over 3f out, hard pressed from over 1f out, held on well towards finish
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden and effort, kept on one pace
towards rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden and no extra approaching final furlong
prominent, effort 2f out, one pace under pressure
tracked leaders, headway to chase winner over 3f out, every chance entering final furlong, edged right and kept on same pace
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression
towards rear, pushed along to chase leaders over 3f out, ridden and no extra final 2f
in touch, pushed along halfway, weakened 3f out
led, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
A cracking little contest that can go the way of INVISIBLE MAN, who just gets the nod ahead of Tiger Reins and Splinter Cell. That said, cases can also be made for Off Chance and Royal Defence, who are both in great heart and help to make this a truly competitive handicap. Splinter Cell is bred to be effective at a mile and duly appreciated the drop in distance at Beverley last time out. The handicapper has him in his sights, though; which leaves the Marco Botti-trained colt with a tough task at the weights. Tiger Reigns has won 50% of his starts so far and is already a credit to his connections. He has made good progress this season and, having defeated a 91-rated contender last time out; he is entitled to plenty of respect today. However, Invisible man has confidently answered every question asked of him lately and, as he would need to post another big run to go on fulfil his entry in the Cambridgeshire, Invisible Man is fancied to take a race like this in his stride.
Tiger Reigns 3-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, ridden entering final furlong, led well inside final furlong, driven out, won at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Aug beating Cyflymder (9-5) by nk, 7 ran.
Off Chance 13-8fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, smooth headway over 2f out, led 1f out, ran on well, won at Ripon 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Aug beating Steel Stockholder (8-2) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Splinter Cell (USA) 9-4 (9-4) Held up, switched left, headway 2f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Beverley 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul beating Peaceful Rule (8-9) by ns, 6 ran.
Royal Defence (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Soon tracking leaders, raced keenly, outpaced over 3f out, headway over 2f out, soon ridden to challenge, led inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Aug beating Russian George (9-2) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Canwinn (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, never troubled leaders, 7th of 8, 9l behind Invisible Man (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Aug.
Paquerettza (FR) 22-1 (8-5) Led after 1f, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, clear of remainder, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Shamwari Lodge (9-7) at York 1m 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Aug.
Kings Troop 50-1 (9-2) In touch, weakened over 1f out, 14th of 15, 18l behind Bab Al Salam (8-12) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Aug.
Saturn Girl (IRE) 13-8fav (8-12) Soon led, ridden over 1f out, about 3/4 of a length ahead when hung badly and carried runner up left throughout final furlong, in command towards finish, won at Windsor 1m 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Rocky's Pride (9-3) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Island Chief 3-1 (9-1) Made all, jinxed badly left over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Musselburgh 1m 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jul beating Hawkeyethenoo (8-9) by 11l, 5 ran.
Invisible Man 2-1fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, going well, switched right entering final 2f, effort between horses approaching final furlong, ridden to lead final 100 yards, edged left and ran on, won at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Aug beating Kaolak (8-11) by nk, 8 ran.
