chased leader, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
chased leader over 3f
soon outpaced, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f
held up in rear, headway to chase leader over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to lead near finish
led, ridden 2f out, headed near finish
in touch, ridden and every chance 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
Rag Tag can progress again to score at the expense of Polish Emperor, Vindication and Silver Dane. Rag Tag caused a 25-1 shock when landing a Bath maiden last year, but has failed to trouble the judge since. However, Andrew Balding's gelding showed an imminent return to form when third at Haydock eight days ago, showing very good speed for quite a long way in the race won by Shes Minnie. He will relish the fast ground and has been found a most suitable opportunity to get back winning ways. Polish Emperor has topweight but is actually down to a decent mark now. Even so, his recent form is hardly inspiring, and he is passed over. Vindication did not find much when popped the question at Lingfield last time, and is another that is hard to fancy, while Silver Dane has been out of form of late. Mind you, he was successful here in March and has conditions in his favour. Manniko is a big, strapping sort that would have claims on his form earlier in the season, but Rag Tag can beat them all.
Polish Emperor (USA) 6-1 (9-10) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 10, 12l behind Intriguing Glimpse (10-1) at Salisbury 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Rag Tag (IRE) 9-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, every chance well inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Shes Minnie (9-1) at Haydock 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Mannikko (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on, 5th of 16, 2l behind Phantom Whisper (9-5) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Fisola (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Held up in rear, pushed along halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 7l behind Fantasy Explorer (8-11) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Silver Dane (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Held up in touch, ridden halfway, not pace to challenge, 4th of 6, 2 1/2l behind Bluebok (9-7) at Yarmouth 5f hcp 0-85 (4) frm.
Conjecture 11-2 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 2l behind Rudi's Pet (8-5) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Vindication 11-2 (9-4) Tracked leaers, challenged going well and every chance 1f out, chased winner after, no impression and held when lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Russian Rocket (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
