held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on well to lead post
mid-division until ridden and weakened 6f out
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, gradually weakened
slowly into stride, soon in touch, weakened after 4f, soon beaten
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden 3f out, hard ridden final furlong, caught post
always behind
Five out of the last nine favourites have landed this race in recent years with older horses generally running better than their younger rivals. The likely favourite and hence the TEAMtalk selection is Island House. Successful in this event two years ago. Geoff Wragg's 6yo has hardly sparkled this year but did manage to land a decent prize at Leicester before running his usual honest races at Newmarket (including in a Group 2). Vintage Premium looked last time out as though he was suffering from the effects of a tough campaign when unable to cope with an improved Beekeeper at Doncaster. Johannian put in a below par effort at York last time out but has had a break and could be the favourite's biggest danger - especially with the ground drying out all the time. Torcello has put in some consistent efforts this season but will need a couple of these to have an off day to figure in the finish.
