held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, ran on
soon led, clear 8f out, reduced lead 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
dwelt, always in rear, weakened over 2f out, tailed off
in rear, good headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
tracked clear leader, closed 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on one pace
This revolves around the fitness of KASHMIR PEAK, who landed a Grade 2 hurdle at Doncaster in December and ended the campaign in the Triumph Hurdle. He's much better than a 78-rated performer on the Flat and hopefully John Quinn will have him right. Aquilonius is very versatile and followed a close second over 1m2f at Nottingham with a victory over 2m at Lingfield. He looks well enough treated to go well as does Zenafire, who came good with a smooth victory at Haydock. Villa Royale is 10lb higher than her victory at Catterick in May though she still managed a very good effort at Yarmouth a month later.
Villa Royale 5-2fav (9-7) In touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, pressed winner inside final furlong, not quicken near finish, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Colinca's Lad (8-12) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Sir Boss (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Held up behind and keen, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 22l behind Renew (9-1) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Next Edition (IRE) 16-1 (10-4) Held up mid-division, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 14th of 17, 16l behind Nanton (10-1) at York 1m 4f ladys hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jun.
Kashmir Peak (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden into 5th 2f out, 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 5l behind Along Came Casey (9-8) at Gowran Park 1m 1f hcp gs in Sep.
Watts Up Son 6-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, chased leader until 1f out, no impression when lost 3rd close home, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Kiwayu (9-2) at Chester 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
Secret Dancer (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Dwelt in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, never near leaders, 5th of 10, 4l behind Tawseef (9-1) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in May.
Zenafire 10-3 (8-4) Mid-divisiuon, smooth headway on outside over 3f out, led inside final 2f, ridden clear final furlong (hand timed), won at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul beating Merchant Of Dubai (9-2) by 3l, 8 ran.
El Bravo 9-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, chased winner over 3f out, kept on and held inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Stellar Express (9-4) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
Now My Sun 85-40fav (9-10) Dwelt towards rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Argaki (7-11) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Aquilonius (IRE) 5-1 (9-1) Raced keenly, made all, set steady pace until drew clear 10f out, reduced lead over 3f out, ridden stayed on well and in command over 1f out, unchallenged, won at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jul beating Teak (9-1) by 1l, 5 ran.
