chased leader over 4f out, weakened 3f out
in touch, pushed along 5f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, went 2nd inside final 4f, led 2f out, soon driven, remained hard pressed until asserted torwards finish
tracked leaders, edged left under pressure over 2f out, rider dropped whip over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
made most until driven and headed 2f out, kept battling away until no extra towards finish
Nonrunner
Having improved a bundle since being upped in trip and joining handicap company Sir Mark Prescott's ROYAL DIAMOND looks to have a least another race in him as he searches for a four timer so we'll side with the gelding ahead of Sally Forth and Ermyn Lodge. Having run his maiden's over seven furlongs the pick has found his forte in staying handicaps and he looks sure to improve again now upped further in trip. He completed a hat-trick by holding a subsequent winner of a decent event at Ascot so he might not have finished yet. Sally Forth also improved for this step up in distance on her handicap bow last time winning by six lengths. She's up 10lbs for that run but should have plenty more to offer and is a real danger. Ermyn Lodge is on good from at the moment and only just missed out behind a future winner last time. That race was red hot so he should feature again despite a mark rise. Dazinski and Curacao are both running well and have claims on this race but Sir Mark looks to be up to his old tricks and may have found another win for Royal Diamond.
Sally Forth 14-1 (8-13) Close up, chased leader over 8f out, led approaching 3f out, soon ridden, driven and ran on final furlong, won at Southwell 2m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Aug beating Dulcie (8-10) by 6l, 5 ran.
Sherman McCoy 8-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, under pressure 3f out, soon no impression, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Acquisition (8-12) at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Dazinski 6-4fav (8-0) Held up in 3rd, improved to chase winner 3f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, lost 2nd entering final furlong one pace, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Aajel (9-9) at Yarmouth 2m hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Aug.
Curacao 15-8 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 6f out, weakened 5f out, 4th of 5, 49l behind Sally Forth (8-13) at Southwell 2m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Aug.
Ermyn Lodge 9-1 (8-10) Soon led, ridden 3f out, driven 2f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind The Last Don (9-6) at Kempton 2m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Royal Diamond (IRE) 5-1 (8-2) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching 1f out, kept on well, won at Ffos Las 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd beating Chiberta King (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
