soon led and set good pace, headed after 4f, stayed prominent, under pressure 4f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, effort 3f out, every chance 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
held up in touch, effort 3f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway 3f out, every chance 2f out, kept on one pace
steadied start, held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, no headway approaching final furlong
prominent and pulled hard early, led after 4f, stayed on under pressure from 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, caught close home
held up in touch, took keen hold, headway on outside 3f out, every chance final furlong, no extra final 100 yards
tracked leaders, headway 3f out, hard ridden over 1f out, ran on under pressure final furlong, led post
held up and behind, headway 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up towards rear, rdm 3f out, no impression
A high-quality renewal means that the admirable Potemkin, Capal Garmon and Boreas all face stiff tasks here. Water Jump is an interesting type. He won two Listed races last year before his season was curtailed. He has a lengthy absence to overcome, but the majority of his stable companions have been fit enough on their debuts and he looks to have plenty of scope this year. Zindabad is a tenacious character whose overall form is decent, but may have to settle for minor honours at best here. The selection is Mr Combustible. Penalised for his win in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes here last year, this Chester Vase winner also ran a fine fourth in the Derby and third in the St Leger. Mr Combustible is likely to stay two miles in time, but has the speed to hold his own over this trip and is taken to win a very good contest.
