led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on
held up, driven and outpaced 4f out, soon ridden and beaten
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, drifted left under pressure final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
Bluecoat can make experience count over Bonnie Rock, Intersky Emerald, and newcomer Linda's Theatre. Mick Easterby had three entered for this at the five-day stage but relies on Blucoat who has been consistent in each of his three starts to date. A pleasing debut at Stratford in June was followed by an easy success at Hexham a week later, after which he was put away until returning to the fray at Market Rasen a fortnight ago. He had the misfortune to bump into the odds-on Don't Push It at the Lincolnshire track, but was not disgraced in finishing second, giving weight to the winner. That form puts him head and shoulders above today's rivals, and as he will be even fitter here, the gelding will be tough to beat. He had Bonnie Rock six lengths behind at Hexham, and although worse off at the weights now should still maintain that form. Intersky Emerald showed absolutely nothing on his Perth debut but the faster ground may help, as will the assistance this time of Tony McCoy in the saddle. Even so, he is hard to fancy, while the market may reveal if Linda's Theatre is any good. All in all, the finale looks booked for Bluecoat.
Linda's Theatre King's Theatre gelding out of a once-raced mare.
Bonnie Rock (IRE) 14-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway 5f out to chase leaders, effort and went 2nd 2f out, one pace, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Bluecoat (11-A@@@A@@@@A@@