dwelt, held up in touch, still close up over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, eased when no chance final furlong
tracked leader, led after 3f, headed over 5f out, stayed tracking leader, ridden to challenge and looked reluctant from 2f out, driven to lead last 150 yards, ran on
led and set steady pace, headed after 3f, settled behind leaders, hard ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leading pair, driven to challenge 2f out, outpaced and beaten approaching final furlong
keen hold in 4th place, led over 5f out, ridden and pressed from 2f out, kept on well until headed last 150 yards, one pace
started very slowly in rear, driven 3f out, soon struggling
held up, effort on outer from 3f out, stayed on under pressure from over 1f out, never nearer
Sir Michael Stoute's Machinist could be the one here, with the topweight Yeoman's Lad possibly the one that will give him most to do. The nicely-bred son of Machiavellian has race only twice, and his sole win came narrowly in an all-weather race at Lingfield. However, the next four home that day have all won since and there is a good chance that there is a lot better to come. Even off topweight, Andrew Balding's Yeoman's Lad should go well. His fair run in the Royal Hunt Cup last time suggested he is coming to hand. The consistent Langford keeps just failing to get his nose in front but should run his race again. He is closely weighted with Toy Show on their Nottingham runs last time, although Richard Hannon's runner met trouble in running that day. Compton Eclipse has been raised five pounds for his Carlisle win, but this is his toughest assignment to date. Once again, it is not cut and dried, but Machinist gets the nod.
