slowly into stride, soon tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, found nil
tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden 2 lengths clear over 1f out, ridden out
led, ridden and headed 3f out, driven and rallied inside final furlong, gaining on winner towards finish
Windsor handicap winner Midnight Cruiser is a capable performer but he has struggled in two starts since that win and this really looks little more than a match between Firebet and TRANQUIL TIGER with preference for the latter. Henry Cecil's five-year-old found trouble in running and was beaten a long way out at Haydock last time but earlier form when successful at Goodwood and when third to Kirklees at Sandown reads well and a reproduction of that form may well suffice. Maxwil looks to be way out of his depth but can pick up some decent place prize money and much more solid claims are held by Firebet. Richard Fahey's colt has been in super form of late with wins in handicaps at Nottingham, Ayr and Newmarket prior to a decent effort when chasing home Harbinger in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. He is clearly going the right way and will take plenty of beating but Tranquil Tiger looks worth another chance and he gets the vote.
Tranquil Tiger 9-2 (9-3) Close up on outside, ridden and effort 3f out to over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 8, 16l behind Jukebox Jury (8-8) at Haydock 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gd.
Maxwil 66-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, in rear, never a factor, 12th of 14, 15l behind Prime Exhibit (9-4) at Sandown 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
Firebet (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, pushed along 4f out, held on briefly until switched left and headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on but no impression, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Harbinger (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jul.
Midnight Cruiser (IRE) 40-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, soon in mid-division on inside, driven along and beaten approaching 2f out, 14th of 16, 18l behind Roman Republic (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jul.
