towards rear, slightly hampered on outside over 4f out, headway 3f out, kept on one pace to chase leading trio final furlong
in touch, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, ridden 3f out, stayed on and edged left under pressure final furlong to chase leaders, always held
led and soon clear, headed over 3f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, closer order 5f out, hampered and snatched up on bend over 4f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong
keen in rear, headway over 4f out, ridden 3f out, faded final furlong
mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden to lead over 3f out, ridden out
tracked leaders, hampered on bend over 4f out, weakened 3f out
Mae Cigan could be the one here, First Friend and Sawwaah could provide most danger. The selection has shown promise in two races this season and looks to be improving. This gelding chased home I'm Spartacus at Nottingham earlier this month, with some in form rivals behind. With more improvement expected he does look hard to beat. First Friend has also put in two solid efforts recently and although the handicapper is reluctant to help he should still be in the shake up. The old timer Sawwaah is no back number, his last victory came over this trip at Lingfield and if things drop right he cannot be easily dismissed. The best of the others could be Azreme, but Mae Cigan looks to be going the right way and he gets our vote.
Mae Cigan (FR) 16-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Im Spartacus (8-13) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Over Ice 40-1 (8-9) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 2f out, ran on, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Pentatonic (8-12) at Bath 1m 2f mdn fll (5) gf in Sept.
First Friend (IRE) 5-1 (8-8) Tracked leader, led briefly entering final furlong, soon headed, kept on until lost second final strides, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Charmatic (9-4) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Apr.
Azreme 12-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Harvest Warrior (11-1) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Piano Man 22-1 (10-4) Soon behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on one pace final furlong, 9th of 13, 6l behind Charlie Bear (10-3) at Salisbury 1m amt hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Monmouthshire 8-1 (8-6) Behind, headway over 2f out, stayed on steadily nearest finish, 5th of 14, 6l behind Raydan (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Elopement (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Behind, not clear run 2f out, switched right and stayed on inside final furlong, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 6l behind Monmouthshire (8-3) at Bath 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) frm in Apr.
Sawwaah (IRE) 7-4fav (8-6) Steadied start, headway 4f out, chased winner 2f out, no extra final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Nuit Sombre (9-5) at Chepstow 1m 2f clm (6) gf.
