prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, hard ridden and headed final 50 yards, no extra
held up mid-division, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
chased leader, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, led final 50 yards, gamely
dwelt start, soon behind, never on terms
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden and chased leaders over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden and switched left over 2f out, kept on well final furlong
soon outpaced towards rear, hung left throughout, always behind
This doesn't look too hot a race and Prince Of Delphi gets the confident selection ahead of the consistent but exposed Kyle and Lochstar. Henry Candy has been in the winners enclosure a couple of times of late with short-priced favourites and that rend can continue today. The only four-year-old in the field he will have to give weight away but a reproduction of either of his promising runs last year should be enough to score today. Kyle hasn't been out of the top three in his seven starts to date and so is a must for place pots, however whilst he has talent that worrying trend is enough to oppose him again. Lochstar's debut was promising after an erratic start (went violently left) and he should play a part if benefiting from that experience, whilst newcomer Lithaa doesn't look anything special on paper but should be checked for market confidence. In truth this looks a good opportunity for Prince Of Delphi to win at the third time of asking.
Prince of Delphi 9-4 (9-3) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 10, 6l behind Bustin Justin (9-3) at Newbury 6f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Kyle (IRE) 5-2 (9-3) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Rasaman (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Apr.
Lithaam (IRE) Elnadim gelding, half-brother to 6f winner Katheer.
Massams Lane 50-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Blackmalkin (8-9) at Yarmouth 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
Punching 66-1 (9-3) Never reached beyond mid-division, last of 16, 29l behind Diamond Tycoon (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Spiffing (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Never a factor, 19th of 23, 39l behind Spanish Harlem (9-3) at Curragh 7f 2yo mdn hvy in Oct.
Zeeuw (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Keen, in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 8, 9l behind Monachello (9-3) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn (5) frm in Jun.
Lochstar 2-1 (9-0) Went left start, soon close up on inside, ridden halfway, one pace final 2f, 5th of 10, 5l behind Ken's Girl (8-9) at Bath 5f mdn stk (5) frm in Apr.
