mid-division, headway to lead 5f out, ridden over 2f out, headed final furlong, no extra inside final furlong
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on approaching final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden, headway over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, keen, led 6f out, headed 5f out, weakened over 4f out
held up mid-division, headway over 4f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 4f out
held up mid-division, headway on outer over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened final 2f
behind, ridden, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, led final furlong, caught post
tracked leaders, led 10f out, headed 6f out, soon weakened, tailed off final 2f
with leader, ridden 3f out, weakened final 2f
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead post
ridden to lead, headed 10f out, driven halfway, weakened well over 4f out
Soviet Sceptre has a race like this within him and is selected ahead of Saameq, High and the consistent Larad. The last named has gone close on several occasions recently and question has to be raised about his resolution. However, he is likely to have the race run to suit his style and he again has place claims in this company. High was not winning out of turn when landing a mile and a half contest here last month. He is obviously respected on that form but has to conclusively prove he gets the trip today. Saameq has run to a comparable level of form and is another that is entitled to go close on the pick of his efforts. He acts on the surface and shouldn't be underestimated. However, Soviet Sceptre has been crying out for another crack at this distance and, as this is a much easier assignment than many of his previous engagements on turf, Fergus Sweeney's mount is fancied to make the most of his ease in grade today.
Soviet Sceptre (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 4f out until ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Summer Bounty (9-4) at Warwick 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) gs.
Cemgraft 66-1 (10-5) In rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd post, no chance with winner, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Polish Power (10-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f amt hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Saameq (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Steadied start, headway over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 3l behind Ice And Fire (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) pol in Mar.
High Frequency (IRE) 6-4fav (9-2) Led, clear 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind York Cliff (9-4) at Southwell 1m 4f banded stk (7) fbs in Mar.
Larad (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, led briefly inside last, ran on, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Ice And Fire (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) pol in Mar.
High (IRE) 5-2fav (8-10) In touch, ridden over 2f out, ran on to lead close home, won at W'hampton 1m 4f banded stk (7) pol in Mar beating King's Crest (8-12) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Ice And Fire 9-1 (8-10) Took keen hold, edged right over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 7l behind Galantos (9-0) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Lake Wakatipu 9-2jt-fav (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, bumped slightly over 1f out, kept on, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Ice And Fire (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) pol in Mar.
