Verdict
PERSIAN PERIL caught the eye in defeat at Newmarket last weekend and is taken to gain some compensation. Taaresh and Mick's Dancer may be the biggest obstacles in the way. Mick's Dancer has won his last two starts in game style and may still have more to offer. He will need to bring more to the table from his career highest mark, though. And he is starting to look vulnerable. Taaresh has a long absence to overcome, so it may be a good idea to scrutinise the betting market before getting involved with this lightly raced four-year-old. Heavy rain would be in his favour, though. Others to monitor include: Mount Hermon, who arrives in good form but has yet to win on turf, while Sri Kuantan has the ability to go close at this level but looks weighted to the limit. However, Persian Peril has got his act together well these days and, as he is the most consistent of the bunch, Persian Peril has a sound chance of dispatching his rivals today.
Formwatch
Persian Peril 4-1 (9-1) Pulled hard, tracked leader, ridden and every chance from 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Emerald Wilderness (9-9) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Rosbay (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 11, 10l behind Cosmic Sun (8-11) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gd.
Taaresh (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, held up, ridden and no impression final 2f, 7th of 11, 9l behind Dr Livingstone (8-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Sep.
Best Prospect (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Held up, effort over 2f out, no impression, 10th of 12, 25l behind Plaisterer (9-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Sri Kuantan (IRE) 14-1 (8-9) Pulled hard, tracked winner, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 18l behind Alazeyab (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.
Hurlingham 14-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, chased leaders 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 15l behind Plaisterer (9-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Mick's Dancer 5-1 (8-12) With leader, led 8f out, kicked on and edged left over 1f out, always in control after, stayed on, won at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Wing Play (8-10) by 1l, 10 ran.
Mount Hermon (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Held up in touch, smooth headway over 3f out, led going well over 2f out, stayed on well until driven headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 15, 1l behind Jo'burg (9-7) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Puzzlemaster 2-1fav (9-3) Prominent, driven 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 10l behind Geneva Geyser (8-9) at Redcar 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.