jumped right at start, took keen hold in touch, lost ground over 4f out, tailed off
led, pushed along and headed over 3f out, ridden 2f out, soon beaten
held up, pushed along 4f out, effort over 2f out, never near to challenge
prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold and saddle slipped over 6f out, prominent, led over 3f out, quickened over 1f out, easy
towardsa rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
Regal Agenda may be able to defy an absence to prevail, with Lady Past Times, Sun King and Beau Artiste the main challengers. Regal Agenda was denied by a short-head on his Salisbury debut last October in rain-softened ground, and despite playing up at the start, again showed promise when second on better ground at Newmarket later that month. The son of Ali-Royal has taken time to mature but should be more than capable of paying his way this term, without reaching exalted heights. He does face much fitter rivals such as Beau Artiste who has had plenty of chances already, while Lady Past Times gets weight and has started to show some worthwhile form at last. However, a bigger danger maybe Sun King who makes the short journey from Saltburn. Mary Reveley's charge is a three-time winner over hurdles, and it is a brave move to put him back in trip. His trainer obviously knows what she is doing so don't be surprised if he runs into a place. However, Regal Agenda should be capable of fulfilling the promise he showed as a juvenile and gets the vote.
