led, went 3 lengths clear over 2f out, just lead over 1f out, soon strongly pressed, headed well inside final furlong
took keen hold in 3rd, checked 5f out, outpaced over 2f out, driven and stayed on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, pushed along 4f out, outpaced final 2f
in touch, outpaced over 2f out, no chance after
raced in 4th, driven along on outside and outpaced over 2f out, no chance after
held up in 6th, outpaced over 2f out, squeezed through to take 3rd and hung left final furlong
tracked leader, shaken up and closed over 1f out, challenged final furlong, driven and ran on to lead well inside final furlong
Banknote is preferred to Dunelight and Ordnance Row with Levera not dismissed despite having something to find at the weights. Andrew Balding has made a great start to 2008 and this son of Zafonic can continue the good work this evening. He made a winning return to action in a Listed race last year and finished a close second in 2006 so the lack of a recent run is no concern whilst he is unbeaten in two visits to this venue and has little to find at the weights. Metropolitan Man is sure to be popular after a near miss last time but he just doesn't win the races that his ability entitles him to and Levera could be of more interest with Alan King's Flat runners performing so well. Dunelight has run well enough fresh in the past for that not to be a concern and could run away with this if this habitual frontrunner is allowed to slip the field but his rivals will surely be alive to the threat. Ordnance Row is one that has the pace to keep tabs on him but this quick ground probably isn't ideal and we believe that Bankable can bring home the money.
Dunelight (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Switched left start to race alone centre, never on terms, 9th of 10, 16l behind Creachadoir (9-0) at Newmarket 1m Grp 3 (1) gf in Oct.
Banknote 7-2 (9-6) Took keen hold, led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 9, 2l behind Grand Passion (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f lst stk (1) pol in Nov.
Classic Port (FR) 16-1 (9-2) Raced stand side, prominent over 5f, 20th of 21, 49l behind Smokey Oakey (8-9) at Doncaster 1m hcap (2) gs in Mar.
Final Verse 40-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, took keen hold, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 6th of 10, 9l behind Wise Dennis (9-4) at Nad Al Sheba 1m lst stk (1) std in Feb.
Levera 11-1 (9-2) Soon chasing leaders until ridden and weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 14l behind Hotel du Cap (9-2) at Newbury 7f lst stk (1) gf in Sept.
Metropolitan Man 33-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, not clear run over 2f out, switched and ran on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Major Cadeaux (9-0) at Sandown 1m Grp 2 (1) gd in Apr.
Ordnance Row 5-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed well inside final furlong, faded quickly, last of 5, 4l behind Cesare (9-7) at Ascot 1m lst stk (1) gs in Apr.
