held up, took closer order after 6th, led 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed last, kept on, no extra flat
in touch until weakened approaching 7th
chased winner, reminders after 5th, well behind from 7th
held up in touch, hit 3rd, ridden and hit 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, joined winner 4th until next, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
led until 3 out, pressed leader, rallied to regain lead last, stayed on well, ridden out
tracked leaders, hit 3rd, ridden and effort after 3 out, one pace from next
Saltango can beat Mr Ex, with Soleil Fix and Hatteras seen as the other main players. Trainer Alex Hales is a bit disappointed that Saltango has not won over two miles as he reckons his German import has plenty of sped, but it is a wise move to keep him over 20 furlongs after his easy win at Worcester on Tuesday. He destroyed his rivals that day and looks well up to defying a penalty here. The four-year-old Mr Ex gets plenty of weight from the selection and also has claims of a sort on his latest effort, a hard fought head success at Plumpton. The cheekpieces should again help his cause, and he will appreciate the step up in trip here. So will the other local hope Soleil Fix, but he has an absence to overcome and looks a chaser in the making anyway. Hatteras has found it hard to get his head in front so far, and, with William Kennedy able to claim a handy five-pound, Saltango is very much the one to beat.
Saltango (GER) 5-4fav (10-7) Always prominent, led approaching 3 out, clear 2 out, easily, won at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gd beating Taking My Cut (10-12) by 10l, 12 ran.
Desertmore Chief (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Prominent until mistake 6th, 8th of 16, well behind Cantgeton (10-11) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn hdl (F) gs in Apr.
Fine Enough (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 18th of 21, well behind Hi Humpfree (11-1) at Newbury 2m nhf (H) gd in Apr.
Gold Tariff (IRE) Good Thyne gelding out of an unraced mare.
Hatteras (FR) 6-1 (10-9) Not fluent, mistake 1st, held up, steady headway from 6th, hit 3 out, chased leading pair 2 out, no impression last, 4th of 15, 19l behind Kilindini (10-12) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (F) gd in May.
Soleil Fix (FR) 33-1 (10-9) Prominent, ridden and lost place approaching 3 out, kept on one pace and 2 out, took poor 3rd close home, 3rd of 11, 14l behind At Your Request (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo hdl (E) gd in Apr.
Mr Ex (ARG) 16-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 4f out, led over 2f out, hard driven final 2f, held on all out, won at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (H) gd in Oct beating Malt Sunflower (11-4) by a hd, 12 ran.
