with leader, under pressure over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
made all, drew clear entering final furlong, ran on strongly, eased closing stages (hand-timed)
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Simmy's Copshop is a useful yardstick in this judged by his efforts in better company lately. He faces less exposed rivals here who both made all to score last time. Alkhalifa and the runner-up pulled clear last time and he showed great tenacity to keep his head in front. That attitude will bring further success but LAKE VOLTA looked an above average colt at Brighton. He was backed from 3/1 to 4/6 that day and made short work of some fair horses. That suggests he could be a 90+ horse and that would make him good enough to take this.
Alkhalifa (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Made all, ridden and strongly pressed when edged left inside final furlong, found bit extra and on top close home, won at Newbury 6f stks (4) sft in Jul beating Oliver Reed (9-0) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Lake Volta (IRE) 4-6fav (9-2) Made all, clear over 1f out, unchallenged, easily, won at Brighton 6f stks (5) gf in Aug beating Tiepolo (9-2) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Simmy's Copshop 8-1 (9-0) Held up in last pair, headway between horses over 1f out, plugged on into 4th close home, 4th of 9, 7 3/4l behind Madeline (8-9) at Newbury 6f lst stks (1) gs in Jul.
