held up, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong
held up and behind, headway when not clear run 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on
slowly into stride, held up, headway 5f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, weakened over 1f out
keen, with leader, driven and lost place 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace when not clear run final furlong
chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, switched outside over 2f out, ran on final furlong
mid-division, headway when not clear run 2f out, soon ridden, ran on well final furlong, not reach winner
held up in rear, smooth headway over 2f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, quickened clear
raced keenly in touch, challenged 4f out, lost place over 3f out soon beaten
mid-division, ridden and headway on inner 2f out, kept on, no impression final furlong
dwelt, behind, headway on outside over 3f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, soon weakened
led, ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra entering final furlong
The usual protagonists line up here, with an open looking contest narrowed down to Wuxi Venture, Dunaskin, Must Be Magic and Swift Tango, with the latter getting the nod. Ed Dunlop's gelding has proved costly to follow recently, being placed five successive times after landing a race a Windsor in June. Tried at a mile and 10 furlongs, he reverts back to nine here and rather than any sign of not being genuine, he just seems to empty close to home. The good news here is that he can lead and if Seb Sanders can get him in front on a track that suits that type of tactic, then he might just be able to repel allcomers in the first-time visor. He looks well treated here and would certainly not be winning out of turn. Wuxi Venture has been consistent over both the flat and hurdles of late and he took a nine furlong handicap at Hamilton last time. One who goes on any ground, a 4lb rise might just be a bit harsh and he though he will give his running he may struggle to follow up. Dunaskin was an improver earlier in the campaign, progressing from a mark of 66 when taking a 10 furlong handicap over the course in April to a mark of 83 when enjoying his most recent success over a mile here in May. Still 4lb higher than that last win, his two runs since have been disappointing, but back on a track he clearly enjoys he might well be capable of a much better effort and he could pose a serious threat to the selection. Must Be Magic is another who will get the trip, having won over it at Kempton in July. However, he too looked exposed on his only start since and though he could make the frame, we will side with Swift Tango to come good again here.
