held up in touch, headway and switched right 2f out, effort and switched left inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
close-up, ridden and led over 1f out, ridden out
close-up, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out
last, reminders 7f out, outpaced, 4f out, headway over 1f out, stayed inside final furlong, not reach leaders
tracked leader, pressed leader 3f out til over 1f out, weakened final furlong
Top Senor is improving at the right time and, with his stable in good form, can win again. The selection came good at Salisbury last time, showing an appreciation of this trip. This is not a strong race and he might be able to defy top weight and rain could also suit this son of Sadler's Wells. Turning to the others. Saphila has yet to win a race and appeared not to stay this trip when tried over it last time. That said, her trainer is no mug so that has to be borne in mind. Madhahir does not appear to be well handicapped. Escayola came good in a first-time visor last time over two miles and runs again quickly under a penalty. If the visor works again, he can't be ruled out of things. Peak Park's best run came last time when third to Misternando. He should be capable of winning a race from his current mark. Zadok The Priest has seven-and-a-half lengths to find with Escayola on Chepstow form but is 8lbs better off and was staying on in that race in South Wales. It could well be closer now. Rouge Blanc was eight lengths behind Peak Park at Folkestone over two miles and is now 6lbs better off. On form lines through Etching, you can actually pull together the form of Escayola, Zadok The Priest, Rouge Blanc, Peak Park and Saphila. If taken literally, Peak Park gets the nod over Rouge Blanc. As ever, you pay your money and you make your choice, but it's Top Tenor for us to be on song in this contest.
