tracked leaders, led approaching final furlong, ran on well
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
took keen hold, led early, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, effort over 2f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A numerically disappointing turn out at the final declaration stage can be led home by Postgraduate, who shaped up well last season and he is fancied to get the better of King Of Love, Bolton Hall and Rio Riva now that he is ready to race. King Of Love is due to go up 4lb at the weekend after his improved effort on firm ground at Leicester. However, there have been a few showers in the area around Ayr and it may be best to ensure the ground is still in his favour before the off. Bolton Hall has form that ties in with the Mark Johnston-trained runner and there is unlikely to be much separating them again here. Rio Riva is suited by some give underfoot and has created a favourable impression in each of his four starts. However, Postgraduate looks the more progressive at this stage and, with Hughie Morrison's string very much in form, this son of Almutawakel is too hard to ignore today.
Postgraduate (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) In touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headway 2f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, stayed on to lead close home, won at Lingfield 6f nov stk (D3) pol in Oct beating Excusez Moi (8-8) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Rio Riva 7-4fav (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, 2nd of 11, nk behind Tax Free (9-0) at Thirsk 7f 3yo mdn (5) gs in Apr.
Breaking Shadow (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 14, 10l behind Walkonthewildside (9-4) at Warwick 7f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Bolton Hall (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Held up, pushed along halfway, headway to chase leader over 1f out, ran on to lead near finish, won at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf beating King of Love (8-13) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
King of Love 9-1 (8-13) Led, ridden clear 2f out, headed and no extra, near finish, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Bolton Hall (8-10) at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Monash Lad (IRE) 22-1 (9-4) Prominent, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong, 6th of 19, 3l behind Bold Haze (8-8) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Mitchelland 6-1 (8-10) Towards rear, headway and effort 2f out, stayed on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Orphan (9-1) at Newcastle 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
