soon led, headed over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
held up, not much room over 1f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, never trouble leaders
mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, no impression
tracked leader, lost place over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader, led briefly over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened 1f out
slowly into stride and behind, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, kept on
mid-division, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on same pace
in touch, driven 3f out, kept on under pressure final 2f, no impression
INSIDE STORY gets the verdict in this competitive looking finale with close competition from Kipchak and Nisaal. The selection has been in good form over his last three outings and wasn't disgraced in third when last seen. It's worth baring in mind he was shouldering a 6lb penalty for a previous win. He was clearly not helped by the drop to seven furlongs and this return to his favoured trip should see him return to winning ways. Kipchak rarely looks the easiest under pressure, but even so he didn't look totally comfortable at Brighton last time. It was his best effort for some time though and he should have come on for the run and a place could be within his grasp. Nisaal posted his best effort of the year when returned to a sound surface last time but, although a stronger gallop would have suited, he did not really look to be enjoying himself when pressure was applied and he may be one to tread carefully with until getting his head in front where it matters. It's a tricky little finale this one and we tentatively side with Inside Story.
Kipchak (IRE) 9-2 (10-0) Led, headed approaching final furlong, edged left under pressure, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 3/4l behind Patavium Prince (9-12) at Brighton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Inside Story (IRE) 7-2 (10-2) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden over 2f out, soon headway, one pace, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Desert Hunter (8-3) at Carlisle 1m app hcp (6) gf.
Bold Diktator 7-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 6l behind Trivia (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Oct '07.
Pegasus Lad (USA) 12-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, pressed leader over 5f out, ridden and effort 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 20l behind Clerk's Choice (8-10) at Sandown 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
King of The Moors (USA) 8-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, tracked leader over 5f out, ridden 3f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Violent Velocity (8-8) at Newmarket 7f app hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Betteras Bertie 11-2 (8-3) Held up behind, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 6l behind Aussie Blue (8-2) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Desert Hunter (IRE) 9-2fav (7-10) Towards rear, effort over 3f out, no impression, 7th of 11, 11l behind Kabis Amigos (9-1) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fm.
Acclaben (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 20, 7l behind Bounty Reef (8-10) at Redcar 1m 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Sep.
Nisaal (IRE) 2-1 (8-5) Tracked leader, ridden along 2f out, switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 4, 1 1/4l behind Bold Cross (8-11) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
