started slowly, behind, headway on inner 2f out, switched right over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, kept on
prominent, ridden over 2f out, edged right under pressure over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd place close home
towards rear, never dangerous
always rear division
in touch, ridden along over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
tracked leader, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, driven, kept on until headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home
slowly into stride, towards rear, eased 3f out
mid-division, driven 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong
held up mid-division, effort halfway, no impression
A tough handicap and Oeuf A La Neige is only a speculative choice ahead of Esoterica and Wisdom's Kiss. The last named has been in good from on the All Weather surfaces and comes here chasing a hat-trick of wins. With regular partner Jimmy Quinn on the sidelines for a few days, Ted Durcan takes over the riding duties and this progressive gelding is sure to be a popular choice. Esoterica has put together a string of good performances and is likely to be on the premises again, if he runs his usual race. Guest Connections and Violent Velocity are others that can make their presence known and do their bit to cloud the picture. However, Oeuf A La Neige has a solid profile for a race of this nature and, as his collateral form gives him an edge over his main rivals, the Linda Perratt-trained gelding is just given the vote of confidence.
Hiccups 13-2 (9-2) Held up in rear, raced keenly, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, last of 8, 6l behind Gallantry (9-4) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Violent Velocity (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Switched right start, soon chased leaders, not clear run 2f out and over 1f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1/2l behind Sadeek (9-6) at Doncaster 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Esoterica (IRE) 10-11fav (7-12) Tracked leaders and keen, not clear run over 2f out, close 3rd when badly hampered inside final furlong, not recover, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Flying Bantam (8-6) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Wisdom's Kiss 5-1jt-fav (9-0) Always travelling well, held up in touch, quickened to lead over 1f out, soon in command, won at Great Leighs 1m hcap (6) pol in May beating Luck Will Come (8-9) by 2l, 15 ran.
Guest Connections 5-2jt-fav (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, just failed, 2nd of 8, shd behind Caribbean Coral (9-6) at Ripon 6f clm (5) sft in Jun.
Soto 11-1 (9-11) Prominent, ridden along when outpaced 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Royal Acclamation (9-0) at Catterick 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jun.
Cheery Cat (USA) 5-1 (9-4) Close up, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Ingleby Princess (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Micky Mac (IRE) 10-3 (9-1) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, switched left after 1f out, went 2nd 2f out until ridden and edged left 1f out, soon slightly hampered, one pace, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Royal Amnesty (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Jerry Hamilton (USA) 20-1 (9-3) Always in rear, weakend 3f out, last of 13, well behind Candle Sahara (9-0) at Yarmouth 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Oeuf A La Neige 11-2 (8-11) Behind, kept on from over 1f out, never on terms, 7th of 13, 5l behind Flying Valentino (9-1) at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Multitude (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 13, 10l behind Flying Valentino (9-1) at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Louisiade (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Prominent, led halfway, headed just over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 9l behind Sintenis Mac (8-4) at Newmarket 1m app hcp (5) gf in Jun.
