dwelt, always in rear
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, towards rear, kept on under pressure final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, stayed on
dwelt, soon outpaced and behind
disputed lead, headed over 1f out, kept on under pressure
always towards rear
outpaced towards rear, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, never dangerous
chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, not quicken final furlong
disputed lead, ridden to narrow advantage over 1f out, kept on well close home
soon prominent, ridden and weakened quickly 2f out
A tough-looking finale with plenty of the 11-runner field holding claims. Topweight Albania looks to be in the handicapper's grip at present so it may be worth looking further down the weights for the likely winner. Naughty Nell gave the impression she may not be as good on turf as on the all-weather when a disappointing favourite at Ascot last time and probably best watched for the time, a comment that may also apply to Roger Charlton's Shining White. Blue Knight and Lord Of The East both showed improved form on their most recent starts, when first and second respectively at Brighton. They have to be respected but the one that really takes the eye is the third in that race, Esenin. Although the son of Danehill has something to find at the weights with his Brighton conquerors, Neville Callaghan's runner had too much use made of him there and with the faster ground to suit, and given a more patient ride, we take Esenin as the TEAMtalk selection to give his in form trainer another winner.
