prominent, ridden 3f out, stayed on well final 2f
chased leader, led after 1f, ridden and quickened over 3f out, driven out final furlong, readily
in touch, ridden and outpaced 3f out, drifted right and stayed on final furlong
led for 1f, chased leader, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, ridden 3f out, never a danger
towards rear, ridden 4f out, staying on when short of room 1f out, switched left and kept on well final furlong
always behind, ridden 4f out, no impression
It may pay to stick with the two horses in form here in Rehearsed and Squadron and we will side with Squadron to follow up his Goodwood win. Despite winning on good to firm ground last month, connections feel that Squadron is actually a much better horse when there is plenty of cut in the ground and having been outpaced last time out, he fairly flew home to score well. A 3lb rise in the weights may appear to be somewhat of an oversight come quarter past eight. Rehearsed fluffed his lines two runs back when well beaten at Kempton but that wasn't his true running and he duly bounced back with a win over course and distance. His best runs have come on a quicker surface though so for that reason he is opposed. Treason Trial has proven to be fairly frustrating for backers as he can be pretty decent on his day but doesn't always consent to run up to his best and can be taken on here from out of the handicap. Of more interest then may be Adversane who is still relatively unexposed. Whilst he is yet to win in seven starts, and was beaten 48 lengths last time out, he has previously finished second to the selection and with 3lb pull in the weights he could spring a shock. Squadron however is taken to win again with Ryan Moore on board once again.
Rehearsed (IRE) 15-2 (9-6) Held up, ridden and headway 2f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on, won at Salisbury 1m 4f hcap (5) gf beating Generous Lad (9-7) by a nk, 9 ran.
Squadron 2-1fav (9-1) Held up, steady headway 10f out, chased leading pair 6f out, ridden 5f out, led 2f out, kept on well, all out, won at Goodwood 1m 6f 3yo mdn hcp (5) gd in Jun beating Guardian of Truth (9-7) by a nk, 11 ran.
The Composer 12-1 (8-7) Towards rear, some moderate progess, 6th of 10, 16l behind Olimpo (9-7) at Warwick 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Critical Stage (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) In touch, effort to go in lead 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 7l behind Mind How You Go (10-0) at Lingfield 2m app hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Adversane 7-2jt-fav (8-11) Tracked leaders, chased leader 8f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened soon after, 7th of 9, well behind Nimra (10-0) at Warwick 1m 7f hcap (5) gd.
Merchant Bankes 25-1 (8-6) Reared start, mid-division, lost place over 4f out, soon behind, 11th of 14, 34l behind Hi Dancer (8-9) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Jun.
Treason Trial 13-2 (8-2) Held up and keen, steady headway over 5f out to chase leaders, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 8, 10l behind Squiffy (8-2) at Warwick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jun.
Benny The Bat 16-1 (9-7) Raced freely, led to 4f out, weakened 3f out, eased when no chance over 1f out, last of 7, 15l behind Copernican (9-1) at Brighton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) frm in Jun.
