prominent, chased winner 4f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden 4f out, not quicken
prominent, ridden 4f out, soon behind
held up towards rear, reminders 5f out, ridden and headway 4f out, ran on to go 2nd final furlong
made all, pushed clear 2f out, impressively
prominent, ran very wide bend over 2f out, soon tailed off
held up in touch, ridden 4f out, soon tailed off
prominent, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out
held up towards rear, headway and ridden 3f out, ran on well final furlong to go 3rd post
mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden and went 2nd 2f out, no extra final furlong
never better than mid-division
held up in touch, headway and chased winner briefly over 2f out, not quicken final furlong
mid-division, ridden 4f out, no impression
held up towards rear, ridden and some headway 3f out, one pace
chased winner, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden behind leaders 3f out, soon weakened
We are going to take a big chance here with Valderrama, with Emanate and Flying Falcon possibly proving best of those to have raced but, as ever, watch the betting for clues with regard to some interesting newcomers. Running through the field. Blue Brook is out of a winning hurdler and showed some promise on his Ascot debut, while China Chase also hinted at better to come here on his debut. Paul Nicholls always has to be respected at this track and he runs Emanate. This gelding is related to a number of winners and is certainly heading in the right direction based on two bumper outings to date. Venetia Williams' Flying Falcon also has to be considered. The unraced Gemini Dancer is very much Flat-bred while Dunridge Native is another that is entitled to some consideration judged on his Chepstow debut fifth, although that run did come on heavy going. Chance Flight could also be interesting as Ron Hodges can ready one for this type of event. His mother, though, was a sprinter so the father will have had to have had a big say in the bloodline. Possibly of more interest in the context of this race is Valderrama, who is by Head For Heights out of a mare who won over 11 furlongs. A market move would certainly be of interest for this mare. Allyfair is stoutly bred and her mother showed fair form without winning, while Charlie Castallan's mother was a fair sprint handicapper. Heavenly Pleasure is by a sire, presenting, who is beginning to make a name for himself as a jumping sire but, finally, we spin the wheel back to Valderrama, who might just provide a bit of fun in the finale.
