behind, some late headway but never near to challenge
towards rear, headway 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
always prominent, ridden over 1f out, led well inside final furlong, headed post
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home
towards rear, never near to challenge
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
behind and never a factor
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon behind
chased leaders to halfway
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
switched right at start, always behind
led, headed 3f out, remained in touch, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, switched left over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post
slowly into stride, chased along to go mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, soon beaten
Cd Europe has the class to prevail and is the pick despite his low draw, with The Lord, Fonthill Road and Native Title just three out to stop him. Cd Europe was a useful sort for both Mick Channon and Kevin Ryan, and nearly managed a big-race success for his current handler John Quinn when second to Eisteddfod in the Ayr Silver Cup last autumn. Cape Royal had the fitness edge on him when the seven-year-old reappeared at Doncaster, and although another furlong would not come amiss, he should make a bold bid to overcome his low draw with in-form Robert Winston in the saddle. The Lord has hit form, with back-to-back wins at Musselburgh and Kempton, and this one-time Listed class performer is still at the right end of the handicap. Fonthill Road just went off the boil at the end of last season but showed a good turn of foot on more than one occasion, so is one to note after today, while Native Title meets the selection on three-pound worse terms than when a place in front of him at Doncaster, and that only increases our confidence in Cd Europe.
Pic Up Sticks 12-1 Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Iffraaj at Kempton 6f hcp gd in Mar.
Malapropism 7-2fav Chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden and no impression final 2f, 7th of 11, 9l behind The Lord at Musselburgh 5f hcp gs in Mar.
The Lord 5-1 Held up behind leaders, chased leader 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on gamely under pressure, won at Kempton 5f hcp gs beating Foley Millennium by a hd, 15 ran.
Danzig River (IRE) 9-1 Raced keenly, held up behind leaders, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, ran on under pressure, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Onlytime Will Tell at Newbury 6f hcp (C1) sft in Oct.
Native Title 10-1 Towards rear stand side, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Cape Royal at Doncaster 5f hcp gd.
Cd Europe (IRE) 22-1 Held up stands' side, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Cape Royal at Doncaster 5f hcp gd.
Divine Spirit 7-2 Took keen hold, chased leaders, challenging when bumped over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Rydal at Sandown 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (D) gs in Aug.
Fonthill Road (IRE) 7-2jt-fav Mid-division, not clear run over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, 8th of 19, 4l behind Goodenough Mover at Salisbury 6f hcp (D2) gs in Sept.
