held up, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, chased winner well inside final furlong, no impression
chased leaders for 4f
always towards rear
slowly away, in rear, ridden over 3f out, never nearer
chased leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leader, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
held up, behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace and never dangerous
pushed along in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, soon quickened clear
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, no extra
Nonrunner
The shortlist contains Cape Diamond, Sergeant Scultz and Swiper Hill, with the vote going to Cape Diamond. Based on his Leicester debut promise, Cape Diamond could prove to be reasonably handicapped today. Much as he disappointed when sent off as favourite for his final run last season, he has been gelded since and might be the type to be best caught fresh. Swiper Hill swooped late to score at Kempton on his debut but the form of the race does not look strong. Il Castagno's first run on this surface was inauspicious, while Prettilini's best form has been in claimers, although she acts well here. Sergeant Schultz showed some promise on his seasonal return and at least comes here fit, while Orange Dancer has suggested that he is worth a try at today's trip. Bacharach and Musical Romance, now there's a forecast (but it's unlikely to happen) although there must be hope that the latter, who cost 130,000 guineas, can progress this year. Finally, Grafton's only previous run over today's trip was a winning one, but from a six-pounds lower mark, while Danetime Lord is open to further improvement - although Garlogs, his conqueror at Musselburgh last time, was beaten at Nottingham yesterday - and much as Dasheena looked to be slightly improved when she made her return recently, last season's form suggests that Grafton might have her edge. We shall see but, overall, we will take a chance on Cape Diamond.
Swiper Hill (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up and lost place, headway over 1f out, soon hung left, ridden to lead close home, won at Kempton 6f 3yo mdn (4) pol in Mar beating Royal Bandit (8-10) by a nk, 9 ran.
Il Castagno (IRE) 2-1fav (9-7) With leader to over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 16l behind Soothsay (8-13) at W'hampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Prettilini 12-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 8, 10l behind Ludovico (8-12) at Southwell 7f 3yo hcp (4) fbs in Mar.
Orange Dancer (IRE) 5-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, hard driven 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 14, 2l behind Ten Downing Street (9-0) at Bath 5f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Peter Island (FR) 14-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 2l behind Stoneacre Boy (9-10) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Danetime Lord (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Tracked winner, ridden halfway, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Garlogs (8-13) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp (6) hvy in Mar.
Dasheena 16-1 (8-5) Soon tracked leader, hard ridden, unable to quicken over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, took 2nd near finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Billy Bling (8-7) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Grafton (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 8l behind Hypocrisy (9-4) at W'hampton 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Mar.
