tracked leaders on inside, not clear run and switched right entering final furlong, soon quickened between horses to challenge, pushed along to lead towards finish, cleverly
tracked leading trio, tracked leader 2f out, ridden to narrow lead entering final furlong, kept on until headed and not pace of winner towards finish
took keen hold, held up last, pushed along and outpaced 3f out, headway on inside and staying on when hung left and not clear run throughout final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, driven and narrowly headed entering final furlong, kept on under pressure until outpaced closing stages
dwelt, soon chased leader, ridden over 2f out, lost 2nd 2f out, beaten when slightly hampered inside final furlong
Berling has undoubted ability, as he showed when second to Fox Hunt at Epsom, but can be a bit of a tricky customer and never looked likely to get into contention when favourite at Windsor last time. This is less competitive but that should also suit WAR POET, who was fancied for the Old Newton Cup after a fine run at Doncaster but found the opposition too strong. David O'Meara's gelding is lightly-raced and worth another chance. Hong Kong Island has been in good form but has climbed the weights as a result while this may be too tough for The Caped Crusader. Cluain Dara only won a Southwell maiden last month but shouldn't be dismissed out of hand given her trainer's record with similar types in the past.
Berling (IRE) 7-4fav (9-8) Held up in rear, headway between horses over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 9l behind Sirvino (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.
Hong Kong Island (IRE) 5-1 (9-8) In rear, switched left over 2f out, effort soon after, no impression inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4l behind Ithoughtitwasover (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.
Gogeo (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, well beaten over 1f out, 9th of 15, 18l behind Plaisterer (9-7) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
The Caped Crusader (IRE) 5-4fav (9-5) Held up in touch, driven to chase leaders over 4f out, soon outpaced, stayed on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Spirit Of A Nation (9-1) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jul.
Cluain Dara (IRE) 6-1 (8-10) won at Southwell 1m 4f mdn auc stks (5) fbs in Jul beating Quails Hollow (9-1) by 7l, 9 ran.
War Poet 8-1 (8-2) Held up in rear, switched right 2f out, never on terms, 14th of 17, 7l behind Halicarnassus (8-13) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
