in touch on outer, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, no extra and weakened quickly over 1f out
mid-division, ridden along over 2f out, no progress and weakened over 1f out
took keen hold towards rear, headway from 2f out, every chance well inside final furlong, not pace of winner close home
took keen hold towards rear, headway 2f out, chased leaders under pressure over 1f out, stayed on
led after 2f, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on until weakened over 1f out
always behind when outpaced final 2f
prominent, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra and weakened towards finish
held up mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened from 2f out
pulled hard in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led 2f, tracked leader, ridden and every chance entering final furlong, no extra towards finish
settled in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong
From a shortlist containing Bomber Command, Robustian and, at a bigger price, Rose of Inchinor, we will side with Robustian. Bomber Command flopped when fancied at Yarmouth last time so we are left scratching our heads a little now, although he cannot be ruled out tonight. Herring caught the eye making late headway last time, Robustian has been running well over a mile and the extra distance could see him competitive tonight. Based on his Windsor run last time, he is closely weighted with Acrobatic - as is Crimson Flame, while a visor seemed to have a good effect on Ispahan last time and he can go well if it works again. Italian Romance is open to improvement and his stable is in good heart, while Rose Of Inchinor takes a big step up in trip after showing promise at two, and it could yield substantial improvement. Finally, first-time cheekpieces would need to improve Barndeh's record if he is to feature which, in turn, returns us to the selection, which is Robustian.
Bomber Command (USA) 5-2 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 7l behind Sands of Barra (8-6) at Yarmouth 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
Herring (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Held up and behind, headway on inside over 1f out, stayed on, 4th of 9, 7l behind Kalankari (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol in May.
Robustian 16-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden to challenge on outside, bumped over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Polliwilline (9-1) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf in Apr.
Acrobatic (USA) 4-1 (9-3) Prominent, went 2nd 5f out, hard ridden 2f out, weakening when not much room approaching final furlong, 5th of 11, 4l behind Polliwilline (9-1) at Windsor 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf in Apr.
Isphahan 25-1 (8-5) Soon narrow lead, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Night Crescendo (8-13) at Newbury 1m 3yo hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Italian Romance 11-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, soon driven and hung right and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Steppe Dancer (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn (4) pol in May.
Crimson Flame (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, never on terms, 6th of 13, 7l behind Heaven Knows (9-4) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (4) hvy in May.
Silver Chariot 12-1 (8-8) Soon disputing 2nd, chased leader over 4f out to 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 13l behind Gracechurch (8-13) at Bath 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Rose of Inchinor 7-2 (8-9) Held up, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Ochre Bay (9-0) at Nottingham 5f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Barndeh (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) With leaders, weakened over 2f out, 19th of 20, 44l behind Gee Dee Nen (8-9) at York 1m 2yo mdn aut (4) sft in Oct.
Debord (FR) 50-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, edged left, one pace until 2f out, 4th of 6, 12l behind Smart Enough (9-3) at Goodwood 1m 3yo mdn (4) sft in May.
