led, headed halfway, ridden 3f out, weakened
keen in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, faded final furlong
with leader, led halfway, pressed from approaching 1f out, battled on well
towards rear and keen hold, ridden 3f out,no impression
held up mid-division, going well on headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge winner from over 1f out, every chance throughout final furlong, wandered under pressure closing stages, no
always towards rear
held up in touch, headway to join leaders over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
A number of this high-class field are old rivals and there is not much to split the likes of Chancellor, Nysean and Kaieteur if they run anywhere near their best. However, as the last named is a consistent sort that has held his own wherever he has been asked to run, he is given the office to end a frustrating spell without a win. Brian Meehan has secured the services of Darryll Holland for the ride aboard the five-year-old and, considering that he has gone very well in both his previous starts at this course, everything looks set for a bold bid from Kaieteur on ground that should suit. Of the rest, it has to be considered significant that Richard Hills has opted for the potential of Ikhtyar instead of partnering Mark Johnston's ultra tough Bandari. However, both have a little to prove in this company for one reason or another and may be set for supporting roles only. It would be folly to rule out Chancellor, who has already edged out Nysean and Sunstrach when they met over course and distance last month. However, his Group-three penalty does not make life easy for John Dunlop's charge and he is reluctantly passed over. Lateen Sails, who represents last year's winning jockey and trainer combination, also has to be respected, but he has a little more to do at this level and may just need this, his first start for 310 days. Therefore, with the track sure to suit and his trainer confident that he still has plenty to offer, Kaieteur is selected to lead the field home to land a well-deserved return to the winner's enclosure once more.
