close up, ridden over 1f out, every chance approaching final furlong, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, pushed along halfway, ridden ot chase winner final furlong
chased leaders, driven halfway, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong
prominent for 3f
dwelt and towards rear, soon chased along, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, chased along halfway, never dangerous
took keen hold to lead, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Tabaret gets the nod over Upper Hand and Godfrey Street in what is sure to be a fast and furious affair. Others bubbling under on the shortlist that merit a closer look when the betting market opens include: Grazeon Gold Blend, Balthazaar's Gift and River Thames, who are all open to more improvement. Godfrey Street ran well here earlier in the week and should not be inconvenienced by the drop back in distance. He is closely matched with the selection and can pose a few problems along the way. Upper Hand ran a blinder when he finished second in the Richmond Stakes in July. It has to be a worry that he has been off since then and it may be prudent to get a measure of the confidence about him in the betting ring before getting involved with Mick Channon's charge. However, there no such fitness doubts about Tabaret, who improved greatly when winning a Listed race at York just over three weeks ago. The Richard Whitaker-trained colt will be suited by good ground and he is fancied to represent good value as he bids to take this latest test in his stride.
Colorus (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Playful (8-9) at Ripon 5f 2yo stk (3) gf in Aug.
Godfrey Street 16-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 5th of 22, 1 1/2l behind Johnny The Fish (8-11) at Doncaster 6f 2yo aut (2) gf.
Grazeon Gold Blend 13-2 (9-6) Tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden when edged left entering final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Beverley 5f 2yo hcp (2) gs in Aug beating Choysia (9-6) by a nk, 12 ran.
Hunter Street (8-11) In touch, ran on final furlong, 5th of 9, 3l behind Lady Angele (8-8) at Deauville 5f stk gd in Aug.
River Thames 5-1 (8-13) Always prominent, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Coburn (9-1) by a nk, 12 ran.
Titus Alone (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) In rear, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, no impression, 7th of 13, 5l behind Amadeus Wolf (8-11) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Upper Hand 4-1 (8-11) Held up, headway and squeezed through to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Always Hopeful (8-11) at Goodwood 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Jul.
Brenda Meova 16-1 (8-8) With leaders, led over 1f out, headed final 100 yards, not quicken, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Strut (8-8) at Newbury 5f 2yo lst fll (1) gf in Aug.
Smooch (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 5l behind Lady Angele (8-8) at Deauville 5f stk gd in Aug.
Balthazaar's Gift (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden and one pace from 2f out, 6th of 13, 5l behind Amadeus Wolf (8-11) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Tabaret 7-1 (8-11) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, just held on, won at York 5f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Aug beating Godfrey Street (8-11) by a shd, 10 ran.
