tracked leader, driven to challenge over 2f out, soon hung left, kept on same pace final furlong
held up in rear, headway to challenge over 1f out, soon no impression
held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on well
tracked leaders, hard driven over 3f out, weakened 2f out
led, quickened well over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
The merit of Keystroke's victory at Doncaster in May has been advertised by the subsequent exploits of runner-up Alkawn but Jeremy Noseda's colt hasn't raced since and also looks harshly treated against Tunnel Creek on collateral form. Critical Risk should go well in his hat-trick bid, though only dead-heated last time at Sandown and is 6lb higher. MYSTICAL SPIRIT blew his chance at the start at Newmarket after winning at Lingfield. He still looks fairly treated and could make amends here, though Starwatch showed he was no back number at Epsom last month. Dark Wave is coming down the weights but needs further.
Starwatch 20-1 (9-12) Held up, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 9 1/4l behind Tigers Tale (10-0) at Sandown 1m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Yeenaan (FR) 14-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway 3f out, not much room 2f out, hung left over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 7 1/4l behind Memorial Day (9-9) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Keystroke 9-2 (9-5) Prominent, shaken up 2f out, ridden to lead and hung left inside final furlong, soon edged right, stayed on, won at Doncaster 1m mdn stks (5) sft in May beating Alkawn (9-5) by nk, 8 ran.
Critical Risk (IRE) 3-1fav (9-0) Dwelt in rear, switched left over 1f out, ran on strongly to lead inside final furlong, joined post, won at Sandown 1m hcp (4) gf in May beating Sugar Boy (9-4), 10 ran.
Dark Wave 10-1 (9-7) Settled in rear, effort on inner over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened final furlong, 4th of 5, 8 1/2l behind Cloud Seven (9-0) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp (4) pol in Aug.
Tunnel Creek 11-4fav (9-1) In touch, effort on inside over 2f out, chased leaders approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 12, 7l behind Kastini (9-5) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Mystical Spirit (FR) 9-2fav (9-5) Dwelt tracked leaders, joined leader 3f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 2 1/4l behind Akeed Champion (9-7) at Newmarket 7f hcp (4) gd in Aug.