towards rear and not clear run until ridden well over 1f out, kept on final furlong
slowly into stride and behind, not much room until entering final furlong, ridden and good headway, nearest finish
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, ridden over halfway, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside last
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
always towards rear
in touch, ridden over 2f out, headway entering final furlong to chase winner and no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
made all, ridden 2f out, kept on well
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
It is not unusual for the draw to pan out with an even spread making the frame in this race; so a shortlist of Prince Aaron, Jonny Ebeneezer, Fantasy Believer and last year's winner Quito is drawn up to take on the rest. With slender preference for Quito, as he bids to become the first horse since 1931 to win this prestigious prize for a second time. There are two other previous winners set to compete: Continent and Funfair Wane, who are both given plenty of respect as they hail from the irrepressible David Nicholls yard that have farmed these big sprints over the years. Pomfret Lad, Only Time Well Tell and Fire Up The Band (third in this last year) make up the Nicholls team and it will be no surprise to see the prices contract if a section of punters take the trainer's runners against the field. There are numerous others that can play a strong part and add to the tension in trying to fathom out one of the trickiest handicaps of the year. Notably Hidden Dragon and Chookie Heiton, who have dropped significant hints that they are in good form at present. The latter especially, after his return to form in a Listed race at Beverley. He was not ideally drawn that day but did confirm that he can handle a little give underfoot. However, like a few of the rest, a sixth furlong on testing ground is not ideal for him and he will do very well to follow up here under a 7lb penalty. Prince Aaron has long been touted as a likely favourite for this race and is weighted to give a good account of himself. The vibes emitting from the Conrad Allen camp have always been confident about their charge and a bold bid looks assured. Even though it can be argued that it is about time a market leader obliged in this contest, it is worth bearing in mind that only two favourites have won since 1978 and the mantle has been a heavy cross to bear for all concerned. However, there is plenty of quality in this year's renewal and, as Halamhera proved in the Portland, top weight is not necessarily a barrier to success in a race like this. Therefore, we side with Quito to defy the statistics as he has already answered every question asked of him with grim determination this season.
