held up in touch, ridden to challenge well over 1f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon weakened
held up, ridden and edge left from half way, chased leaders approaching final furlong but never on terms
dwelt, mid division, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression
led until over 2f out, soon weakened and eased
held up, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders and kept on same pace
held up never dangerous
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly
steadied start, behind, headway over 2f out, kept on, never on terms
We're loathe to rule any out in an open heat but Dr Synn receives the vote. He has only won twice in his career and hasn't won since 2005 so it would be wrong to say that he was a confident choice. However, he's slipped down to his lowest mark for some time despite running creditably on his final start of 2007. He went close to winning on his first run last year and this may be the best time to catch him. Follow The Flag has yet to reproduce his all-weather form on grass and that must also be a worry for supporters of Resplendent Nova as well. Willie Muir is enjoying a purple patch and the booking of Seb Sanders for Carmenero suggests that he should be in the mix. Vintage didn't run too badly last time but has a bit to prove at this trip and Valentino Swing has to prove that he retains his ability. This appears to be pretty open and Dr Synn is just a hopeful selection.
Kensington (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) Behind, ridden over 1f out, moderate headway, 8th of 14, 8l behind Salsa Steps (9-4) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Resplendent Nova 9-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 4l behind King's Bastion (9-3) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Garden Party 12-1 (9-2) Raced centre, mid-division, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 15th of 18, 30l behind Oat Cuisine (8-8) at Newmarket 1m hcap (5) gf.
Follow The Flag (IRE) 7-2fav (8-12) Raced wide, mid-division, headway to chase leader 2f out, led inside final furlong, lost two places close home, 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind Millfield (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Mar.
Torquemada (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Pulled hard tracking leaders, driven over 1f out, soon faded, 9th of 10, 6l behind Demisemiquaver (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Vintage (IRE) 15-2 (8-6) Chased leaders, driven along over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Seamus Shindig (8-7) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Valentino Swing (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, wandered and weakened, 6th of 15, 12l behind Unlimited (8-2) at Chepstow 7f hcap (5) gd.
Grizedale (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Prominent, led halfway, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, 9l behind King's Bastion (9-3) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
My Learned Friend (IRE) 15-2 (10-9) Reared start, soon recovered, chased leaders, chance 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 18, 10l behind Glencal (9-12) at Salisbury 7f ldy rds hcp (6) gd.
Dr Synn 20-1 (9-0) Prominent centre group, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 17, 3l behind Seneschal (9-4) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Oct.
Carmenero (GER) 9-1 (9-1) Held up, ran on to lead inside final furlong, caught final strides, 2nd of 14, nk behind Reeling N' Rocking (8-13) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Gazboolou 17-2 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out, 10th of 12, 17l behind Cool Ebony (9-2) at Bath 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
