held up in rear, pushed along and no response over 3f out, eased final 2f
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
started very slowly, in rear, headway on wide outside over 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken near finish
in touch, headway on inner to lead over 2f out, kept on well when hard pressed final furlong, headed near finish
soon led, narrowly headed over 2f out, still every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, not much room over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up, headway and not much room just over 2f out, soon switched left, sustained challenged inside final furlong, led near finish
Prince Holing looks the one to beat, but there are a number of dangers. Narrowly beaten by Anambo last time, John Gosden's Lightly-raced gelding has suggested that a step up in trip might suit him, and we'll take the chance that that view is accurate. Orthodox is weighted to beat Desert Island Disc based on their Kempton runs at the end of July. Mr Ed is on an 11lb higher mark than when beating Desert Island Disc in this race last year, but is better off at the weights today - excluding the latter's rider's allowance. With Kieren Fallon booked, Mr Ed can be expected to go well. The consistent Bahrqueen's six-pound rise in the ratings for a deserved Kempton win will not make life straightforward, but Optimaite is very well-weighted based on his Newbury win at around this time last year, and he is fitted with first-time cheekpieces today. He should be borne in mind. Feel The Pride, from Jonjo O'Neill's stable, won on the Flat in Ireland last year but comes here from a stint of hurdling, while Mostarsil is five-pounds higher in the weights than for the best of his wins. Overall, then, in an interesting event, John Gosden can win with Prince Holing.
