Verdict

ALBORZ arrived with a wet sail to collar Filatore over C&D 11 days ago. Clearly suited by soft ground, Tim Vaughan's three-year-old can double up today despite a penalty. Bold Cuffs is probably the danger as he won at Lingfield in June, though did weaken quickly over a slightly longer trip at Kempton last time. James Pollard has proved more consistent this year but is probably in the handicapper's grip now, though he still makes more appeal than either Spring Secret or Elbow Beach.

Formwatch

James Pollard (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on well closing stages, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Highland Duke (9-0) at Bath 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.

Alborz (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Mid-division, driven over 4f out, clear over 1f out, ran on well, won at Ffos Las 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd beating Filatore (8-11) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.

Bold Cuffs 5-1 (9-6) Soon led, pushed along over 3f out, soon hung left, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 10l behind Gallipot (9-7) at Kempton 1m 3f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol.

Spring Secret 5-1 (9-7) Took keen hold mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 12l behind Hyde Lea Flyer (8-12) at Warwick 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) gd.

Elbow Beach 25-1 (8-12) Led, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, 3rd and one pace over 1f out, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Rhagori (9-7) at Bath 1m flls hcp 0-80 (4) gd.