tracked leader, led 2nd, made rest, ridden after last, kept on well
tracked leaders, weakened from 2 out
in rear and in touch, soon tracked leaders, one pace in 3rd before last
led, jumped slow 1st and 2nd and headed, in rear and in touch, ridden and headway before 2 out to chase winner, kept on and always held
There may only be four runners in this but all have some sort of chance. Royal Village only won by a nose at Perth when odds-on and may be vulnerable under a penalty. Clo Sacre was beaten when falling at Taunton in December and may need more time but Minella Treasure wasn’t beaten far over this course and distance on his debut under Rules, though that was almost 12 months ago. MR FENTON will have to prove his stamina but his latest second at Kempton is the best form on offer so he gets a tentative vote.
Royal Village (IRE) 8-15fav (11-0) Made most, ridden after 2 out, kept on under pressure when hard pressed flat, just held on, won at Perth 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Apr beating Coole Hall (11-0) by ns, 10 ran.
Clo Sacre (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Prominent, in chasing group, pushed along in 5th place after 5th, struggling in 4th place after 3 out, weakening when tired and fell 2 out, at Taunton 2m 3f (4) gd in Dec.
Minella Treasure (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Held up, towards rear, mistake 5th, headway after 9th, close 3rd when mistake 2 out, every chance flat, no extra close home, 3rd of 9, 2 3/4l behind Sweetlittlekitty (10-5) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Jun.
Mr Fenton (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Jinked left and reluctant to race, in rear, went 4th before 2 out, soon went 3rd, left 2nd from last, kept on well towards finish, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Laser Light (11-7) at Kempton 2m 5f (4) gd in Apr.
