tracked leader, pushed along 4f out, led over 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, no extra
held up and took keen hold, ridden 3f out, soon no impression
held up, ridden 3f out, never on terms
led, pushed along and headed over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner
in touch, ridden 3f out, no real impression final 2f
held up in touch, headway under pressure 2f out, edged right and challenged over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, stayed on well
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, bump over 1f out, chased winner briefly inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
A competitive handicap in which Stage Right gets the call over Bendarshaan and Lost Soldier Three. Bendarshaan was not beaten far in a competitive Goodwood handicap last time and, even off topweight, should go well. Gondolin is unraced this year and the jury is out as to the value of his form. Groom's Affection has yet to build on his Sandown handicap win, while Shredded was disappointing at Windsor last time but had looked promising before that. In fact, one of the elements that adds intrigue to this race is that you have a number of horses that are still lightly raced and open to a good bit of improvement. Luca Cumani's Lost Soldier Three, who now steps up in trip, and David Elsworth's Stage Right, who looked good when winning at Kempton in June, fall into this category. Soulacroix is entitled to have needed his seasonal return last time, while Meadaaf will give an idea as to the value of the race's form. As we say, it's an interesting affair, with the vote going to Stage Right.
