held up in touch, headway on outside over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch on outside, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
raced keenly, tracked leader, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, ridden and kept on when hard pressed for 2nd inside final furlong, held near finish
tracked leaders, smooth headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, outpaced 3f out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, effort 2f out, ridden and stayed on to dispute 2nd inside final furlong, no impression
led, headed 3f out, ridden over 1f out, no chance with leaders final furlong
Automotive won this for Julia Fielden and Ross Birkett a year ago, their third victory in the race in seven years, and though it's difficult to have him onside after finishing tailed off at Goodwood last week he's much better than that and should be in the shake-up. He had Hector's Chance four lengths behind when scoring at Goodwood in August and should confirm the form on the revised terms. MANDY'S BOY looks the one to be on as he's obviously improved massively over timber recently and a strong gallop would play into his hands. He's probably better than a 69-rated handicapper nowadays and his rider has a very good strike-rate. Royal Etiquette doesn't win very often but has dropped in the weights accordingly and will get a strong ride from Alex Ferguson.
Mandy's Boy (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Took keen hold chasing leaders on outside, went 3rd 3f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 9l behind Canadian Run (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sep.
Whinging Willie (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Pulled very hard in mid-division, lost place over 6f out, effort over 1f out, never on terms, 7th of 11, 7l behind Swift Blade (11-0) at Lingfield 1m 4f am hcp (0-70) (5) pol in Jan.
Hector's Chance 9-2fav (9-4) Led, headed over 3f out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Magnolia Ridge (9-4) at Doncaster 1m 2f app hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Mar.
Automotive 6-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened and eased final furlong, 9th of 10, 39l behind Balmoral Castle (10-9) at Goodwood 1m 1f am hcp (0-70) (4yo+) (5) gd.
Hallingham 8-1 (8-13) Mid-division, pushed along on inside 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 13, 24l behind Belle Park (8-1) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) sft in May.
Royal Etiquette (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Held up in last pair, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on to 5th final 100 yards, never going pace to threaten, 5th of 11, 6l behind Thane Of Cawdor (9-4) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Mar.
Petrify 4-1 (8-6) Held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression, last of 5, 8l behind Pandorica (8-11) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
