tracked leader, effort and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden clear
steadied start, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression until stayed on near finish
raced in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
Godolphin's course and distance maiden winner Elmustanser steps into handicap company for the first time tonight but does not appear to be particularly well treated for his debut in the grade and a safer bet looks to be Courageous Duke, who is preferred to Polygonal. The selection lost no caste in defeat behind the progressive three-year-old Mister Monet in a rated stakes handicap at Ascot last month and a reproduction of that effort may suffice. Neville Callaghan's Lilli Marlane has claims on her best but is not the most consistent of horses; a comment that also applies to First Centurion. Liquid Form has given little sign of encouragement this term and a bigger threat may come from Polygonal. Lynda Ramsden's gelding is closely matched with the selection on running at Ascot last time but Courageous Duke just has his beating and gets the vote.