held up, never troubled leaders
mid-division, last place 4th lost behind
chased leaders, ridden and ever chance weakend 2 out
mid-division, ridden and last place 5th, kept on approach last, never dangerous
always towards rear
in touch, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
mid-division, effort 6th
mid-division ridden and headway approaching 3 out mistake and led last, ran on
permanent and keen, ridden to chase leader and hung left to 3 out one pace flat
towards rear, ridden and headway when pecked 3 out, kept on flat, never troubled leaders
mistakes 5th and 6th, always behind
mid-division headway 6th, ridden and mistaken 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway after 6th ridden 3 out, soon weakened, no chance when jumped last
led 2nd, prominent to 6th, weakened quickly tailed off when pulled up before last
not fluent 2nd, always behind, pulled up after 4th
prominent and keen, mistaken 4th, lost place when broke leg and pulled up after 6th
keen, led 2nd, ridden and headed last, not quickened flat
Real Chief, Imperial Royale and Knight's Emperor are three against the field in a tough race to call for punters and the tentative vote is given to Real Chief. The selection won a seller in good style last time out when beating Samson des Galas and although he has a penalty for that win and this looks more competitive he remains at the right end of the weights and under conditions that suit he looks the value bet in an open affair. Imperial Royale rates the main danger on his latest second behind Elegant Clutter but all his best form is on a much softer surface and for that reason he is opposed. Knight's Emperor is another that could go well on his latest second behind Smilingvalentine but his best form of late has been over a longer trip. Monsieur was a fair second behind Arresting last time and is another with place claims but he is hard to win with and looks weighted up to his best. Secret's Out is game and consistent is sure to run his race but he will do well to win under top weight. Of the remainder Pheonix Bell is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but in a race where stakes should be kept to a minimum for the winner we return to Real Chief who looks ahead of the handicapper.
Secret's Out 12-1 (10-11) In touch, effort and mistake 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 30l behind Amarula Ridge (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m amt nov hdl (4) gf in May.
Knight's Emperor (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) In touch, led after 8th, clear approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, hung left approaching last, headed flat, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Smilingvalentine (9-11) at Ludlow 2m 5f cnd sll hdl (5) gd in May.
Meltonian 20-1 (11-3) Jumped right, led 2nd, clear approaching 4 out, joined 2 out, headed flat, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Shaman (10-12) at Plumpton 2m clm hdl (5) gf in May.
Imperial Royale (IRE) 5-1 (9-11) Led, ridden approaching last, headed flat, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Elegant Clutter (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in May.
Pheonix Bell (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) In touch, chased leader 6th, weakened after 7th, pulled up after 2 out pulled up at the last in race won by Princesse Grec (11-1) at Hereford 2m 3f mrs hcp hdl (4) gf, 12 ran.
Solway Larkin (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) With leader, led 4 out, ridden when mistake and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 14, 11l behind Lilac (11-11) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs hcp hdl (5) gd.
Monsieur (FR) 11-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, headed between last 2, soon ridden, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 18, 2 1/2l behind Arresting (11-2) at Perth 2m hcp hdl (5) gs in May.
Real Chief (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Mid-division, hit 4th, headway to chase leader after 2 out, ridden and hit last, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Cartmel 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in May beating Samson des Galas (9-11) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
