Hamish McGonagall heads the short-list from Kaldoun Kingdom and Maimoona. Hamish McGonagall failed to run his race at Ayr last time but the stable jockey keeps the faith and his judgement should be trusted. Prior to that outing in Scotland he had proved himself to be one of the more progressive sprinters in training and the return to racing in his own age group can only be in his favour. He will need a career best to win this but the omens are good. Maimoona won her final start in good style on heavy ground and has to be on the short-list here despite an 8lb rise for that success. She's clearly going the right way but may find this company more exacting. Kaldoun Kingdom has yet to win this season but he has run some sound races in defeat. There is plenty to like about his last two performances, including one on heavy ground, but it's debateable as to whether he will have the necessary speed for this first crack at the minimum. Fol Hollow is the sole representative of the yard responsible for the last two winners and, as such, is accorded respect whilst Captain Dunne won readily last time and is progressive but passed over by David Allan and it's his mount, Hamish McGonagall, that's taken to land the finale.
Hamish McGonagall 13-2 (9-0) In touch until weakened over 1f out, 14th of 16, 8l behind Look Busy (8-13) at Ayr 5f hcap (2) gd in Jul.
Kaldoun Kingdom (IRE) 6-1 (9-5) Held up, headway over 3f out, ridden 2f out, close up inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Shifting Star (9-6) at Ascot 6f 3yo hcp (2) gs.
Fol Hollow (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, headed and edged left over 1f out, weakened final 100 yards, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Piscean (8-3) at Goodwood 5f 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Lady Avenger (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out, last of 9, 13l behind Befortyfour (9-7) at Leicester 5f 3yo hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Maimoona (IRE) 2-1jt-fav (9-1) With leader, led over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, won at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (2) hvy in Jul beating Cristal Clear (9-7) by 4l, 6 ran.
Not My Choice (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 8th of 9, 5l behind Bo McGinty (8-11) at Chester 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun.
Requisite 7-2fav (9-6) Held up, effort on outside 2f out, ridden and every chance under pressure over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Perfect Flight (8-8) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (4) sft.
Irish Pearl (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Mid-division, not clear run over 1f, soon no impression, 6th of 13, 4l behind Divine Spirit (8-12) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Captain Dunne (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) Made all, driven clear inside final furlong, eased near finish, comfortably, won at Thirsk 5f 3yo hcp (4) sft beating Grudge (8-2) by 2l, 7 ran.
Thunder Bay 12-1 (9-4) Held up, driven and outpaced 2f out, never on terms, 7th of 9, 6l behind First Order (9-1) at Newcastle 5f hcap (4) gf in Jul.
