mid-division, headway over 3f out, hung left from over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd near finish
took keen hold in rear, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
led, ridden well over 2f out, headed just over 1f out, not quicken near finish
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden well over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong
held up in touch, driven along and lost place 4f out, no danger after
slowly into stride, always in rear
held up, headway 1f out, ran on, nearest finish
prominent, went 2nd 4f out, ridden over 2f out, driven out
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Illustrious Blue gets the confident vote to break his maiden tag with Qualify and Wee Charlie Castle rating the main dangers. The selection was a good second behind Hawkes Home last time out. That form sets the standard in the context of this race and he need only run up to that mark to win this comfortably. Qualify rates the main danger but he was behind the selection in the same race last time out and off the same terms here there is no reason why he should reverse placings with him. Wee Charlie Castle is another with place claims on his best form but he was beaten in a seller last time and it will be disappointing if he is good enough to win this. Of the remainder Possessed and Warsaw Pact are from top yards but may do better over longer trips in handicaps and for the winner we return to Illustrious Blue who sets a fair standard.
Illustrious Blue 5-2 (9-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, chased winner from over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Hawks Home (9-0) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs.
Merchant Bankes 11-1 (8-12) Behind, carried wide entering straight, headway and edged left over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 10, 11l behind Flor Y Nata (9-7) at Southwell 7f 2yo hcp (5) fbs in Jul.
Mistatake (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders halfway, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 11l behind Charlie Cool (9-0) at York 7f 2yo mdn (3) gf in Aug.
Qualify 12-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Hawks Home (9-0) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs.
Warsaw Pact (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, 5th of 7, 12l behind Mutamarres (9-0) at Chester 7f 2yo mdn (4) sft.
Wee Charlie Castle (IRE) 16-1 (8-0) Always behind, 12th of 13, 10l behind Anna Pavlova (9-3) at Doncaster 1m 2yo hcp (2) gf.
Hi Katriona (IRE) 7-1 (7-11) Held up in rear, headway on outer halfway, 5th over 1f out, kept on under pressure, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Danehill Music (9-4) at Down Royal 7f 2yo hcp 0-80 gf.
Possessed 9-4fav (8-11) Chased far side leader to over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 1l behind Wedaad (8-11) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) frm in Jul.
