held up, ridden 2f out, headway on inside over 1f out, ran on well to lead inside final furlong
held up, steady headway from over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, fading when headed inside final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, rallied close home
in touch, weakened final furlong
soon tracking leaders, weakened quickly 3f out
held up, effort over 1f out, never on terms
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace
keen, headway on outside 2f out, kept on
None are confidently ruled out of the finale but Metal Guru is put forward ahead of Grand Palace and the consistent Methaaly. Reg Hollinshead has his horses in fine form at present and his Ishiguru filly has good enough form to her name to suggest that she can be a factor here. The step back up in trip will suit her and she should be able to get into the mix. It can't be said that either Methaaly or Obe Royal are well handicapped but both could have their say in the outcome whilst Grand Palace has finished in the frame in his last seven starts and is difficult to ignore. Strong support for the well handicapped Zarzu would be of keen interest but in this tricky heat Metal Guru may provide the answer.
Obe Royal 3-1 (8-10) Held up, switched right well over 2f out, headway when not clear run well over 1f out, ran on under pressure, went 2nd close home, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Sir Douglas (9-3) at W'hampton 7f clm (5) pol.
Methaaly (IRE) 7-2 (9-2) Led, ridden well over 1f out, headed close home, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Realt Na Mara (8-12) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Tag Team (IRE) 9-2 (8-4) Made virtually all, ridden over 2f out, driven and stayed on final furlong, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Winthorpe (8-6) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Grand Palace (IRE) 11-4fav (8-10) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Sweet Pickle (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Metal Guru 14-1 (8-12) Held up, came wide entering straight, hung left final furlong, never dangerous, 8th of 13, 4 1/2l behind By The Edge (8-7) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Zarzu 18-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up, not clear run, switched right over 2f out, headway over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 5th of 7, 2l behind Strathmore (8-13) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Perlachy 8-1 (8-4) Led until headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 3l behind Muktasb (8-3) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Chatshow (USA) 2-1fav (9-1) Towards rear, soon chased along, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Grimes Faith (9-10) at Southwell 5f app clm (6) fbs.