took keen hold, soon held up, edged right well over 1f out, no impression, eased inside final furlong
took keen hold, made all, ran on
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden when edged right over 1f out, soon edged left, weakened inside final furlong
held up, took keen hold, headway and not clear run well over 1f out, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, chased winner halfway, edged left over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
pressed winner over 2f, soon ridden, hung right over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Cases can be made for the majority in the finale but it would be no surprise to see Balakiref land the spoils. Michael Dods' experienced campaigner has been well beaten on both of this season's outings but he has won the last two renewals of this race and came into last year's race in similar form. He's 4lbs lower than when last successful and Philip Makin takes over from a young apprentice; he looks sure to go well. Prince Of Delphi has proved frustrating but should be in the mix again whilst Resplendent Alpha looks tailor made for Jamie Spencer and ran well enough last time to think that he can break his turf duck. Bateleur has slipped back to a decent mark, looks to be coming to hand and hails from a yard in great form but we'll be hoping that Balakiref can gain a remarkable and popular success.
Balakiref 33-1 (8-6) Dwelt, behind stands side, edged left and headway 2f out, soon ridden, no extra final furlong, 11th of 17, 7l behind Royal Envoy (8-7) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Resplendent Alpha 12-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, effort when hampered over 1f out, switched right, stayed on, not reach leaders, 4th of 13, 3 1/2l behind King's Bastion (9-3) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Toms Laughter 6-1 (8-12) Led until 2f out, soon faded, 5th of 8, 6l behind Diriculous (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Apr.
Bateleur 11-2 (8-12) Held up, ridden and effort over 1f out, soon one pace, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Mango Music (9-5) at Newmarket 6f app hcp (5) gs.
Prince of Delphi 4-1fav (9-3) In touch, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, kept on under pressure, 4th of 14, 1l behind Buy On The Red (9-4) at Bath 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Mandarin Spirit (IRE) 11-2 (8-1) With leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 11, 3l behind Turn Me On (7-13) at Catterick 7f hcap (5) gf.
Bertie Swift 10-1 (8-10) Always towards rear, never on terms, 8th of 10, 8l behind Vintage (8-11) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Tarraburn (USA) 10-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden along 3f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 7l behind Musical Beat (9-2) at Catterick 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Vintage (IRE) 15-2 (8-6) Chased leaders, driven along over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Seamus Shindig (8-7) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Valentino Swing (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, wandered and weakened, 6th of 15, 12l behind Unlimited (8-2) at Chepstow 7f hcap (5) gd.
