chased winner until inside final furlong, ridden and no extra
always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong
made all, hung right over 1f out, ridden out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd near finish
pulled hard, held up in rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer
mid-division, ridden halfway, no impression
Up Tempo is the pick over Hammer Of The Gods, with Zarzu, Roman Quintet and Landucci expected to make their presence felt. This has the makings of a closely-run affair, with preference for Up Tempo on the strength of some very consistent efforts. Conor Dore placed him to land a hat-trick on Turf earlier this year, but his winning run came to an end at Newmarket last month, with the mile trip and soft ground contributing to his defeat. Successful over six furlongs at Wolverhampton in February, he has conditions to suit again and should go close. Hammer Of The Gods has gained his only two victories on this track and is another that will be suited by a return to the artificial surface. He can give the selection most to do, while Up Tempo's stablemate Zarzu caught the eye in defeat at Sandown and although not as well-treated on sand, is dangerous to leave out of calculations. Roman Quintet is a course specialist, and is going for a fifth success here but has not won since last summer. In contrast, Landucci only ever wins at Brighton, but connections obviously feel that he is capable of making his presence felt on the Polytrack. Up Tempo remains well treated at present and is the pick.
Zarzu 16-1 (9-3) Held up far side, headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Cashel Mead (8-11) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Seamus Shindig 12-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on, not trouble leaders, 6th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Firenze (9-3) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Landucci 16-1 (8-13) Mid-division, stayed on final 2f, never going pace to trouble leaders, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Wavertree Warrior (9-0) at Sandown 7f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Hammer of The Gods (IRE) 11-4fav (8-11) Mid-division, headway under pressure 1f out, ran on inside final furlong (lost shoe), 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Forest Dane (8-7) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
Roman Quintet (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed halfway, weakened 2f out, 11th of 12, 20l behind Balakiref (8-11) at Leicester 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in May.
Mambazo 8-1 (9-8) Held up, ridden over 1f out, not quicken, 5th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Spirit of Coniston (8-4) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Up Tempo (IRE) 8-1 (8-6) Raced centre, with leader until led centre group 5f out, chased winner after, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Rain Stops Play (9-1) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-75 (5) sft in May.
Mandarin Spirit (IRE) 18-1 (9-1) In touch, close up over 1f out, not quicken, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Vienna's Boy (9-0) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
