held up in 6th, pushed along and weakened over 2f out
chased winner until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
carried slightly left start, soon crossed over to lead, shaken up final furlong, ridden and in command towards finish
tracked leading pair, pushed along and went 2nd over 2f out until over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, effort on inside 2f out, went moderate 4th over 1f out
went left start, raced in 4th, pushed along 3f out, ridden and weakened soon after
held up in 5th, headway on inside 2f out, hard ridden to chase winner over 1f out, never quite able to get upsides and held towards finish
Some talented racers line up for this handicap where TAQDEYR was impressive enough in victory last time to give him the verdict despite a penalty leaving both Orpenindeed and Nezami battling for minor honours. The selection has an improving profile and returned from a long absence to score easily in a similar race last time and make it two wins on the trot. Both wins have been emphatic and he is unexposed so there should be even more to come. Marco Botti's runners are going well at present and Orpenindeed has a chance of keeping that up here. Now rated at one pound lower than his last victory he certainly is weighted to be involved but he looks vulnerable to a progressive type like the pick. Nezami ran well off this mark last time and although three pounds above his last winning rating here he should be closer now he drops down in class. Wigrams Turn is the only other to really consider after some consistent displays but Taqdeyr looks a promising sort who should take this.
Esteem Machine (USA) 10-1 (9-0) Always towards rear, 10th of 14, 8l behind Something (8-8) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Orpenindeed (IRE) 13-2 (8-12) Prominent, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on well, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Secret Night (8-10) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
Taqdeyr 4-7fav (9-4) Soon crossed over from wide draw to lead, pushed clear final furlong easily, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Princely Hero (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Guilded Warrior 10-1 (8-13) Held up, behind from halfway, last of 12, 12l behind Beat The Bell (8-5) at Great Leighs 6f hcp (3) pol in Oct.
Nezami (IRE) 11-2 (8-4) Held up in touch, headway on outside to lead approaching final furlong, edged right under pressure and headed inside final furlong, no extra and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Aeroplane (9-2) at Kempton 7f hcap (2) pol in Jan.
Stevie Gee (IRE) 22-1 (9-6) Behind far side group, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 8th of 27, 8l behind Against The Grain (9-0) at Ayr 6f hcap (2) hvy in Sep.
Wigram's Turn (USA) 9-2 (8-13) Mid-division, not clear run and switched left well over 1f out, hampered rival, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 16, 1 3/4l behind Ethaara (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp (4) pol in Sep.
