always behind on far side
slowly into stride, behind on stand side, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders on far side until weakened 2f out
prominent far side, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders on far side, ridden 2f out, kept on
behind on stand side, not clear run over 2f out, no chance after
behind on stand side, headway 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch on far side, weakening when badly hampered by loose horse over 1f out, eased
chased leaders on stand side until weakened 2f out
in touch on stand side, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, soon weakened
reared and unseated rider leaving stalls
chased leaders on far side, weakened over 1f out
driven along in rear on stand side, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
in touch on far side until weakened 2f out
chased leaders on far side, ridden to press winner over 1f out, kept on but always held inside final furlong, lost 2nd final stride
slowly into stride, towards rear on stand side, switched right and good headway over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ran on well
stumbled start, towards rear on stand side, ridden and headway 2f out, effort 1f out, kept on same pace
led on stand side, ridden 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, one pace
slowly away, always towards rear on far side
always mid-division on far side
behind on far side, stayed on final furlong, never a factor
slowly into stride, behind on far side, headway and not clear run over 1f out, ran on strongly final furlong, took 2nd final stride
in touch on stand side, headway 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division on far side until weakened over 1f out
chased leaders on stand side until weakened 2f out
prominent on stand side, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
This always provides a strong betting market and a shortlist is not an apt description of those that hold chances. Mutawaqed, Dazzling Bay and High Reach are all likely to come in for solid support, while the likes of Texas Gold and Coconut Penang have had this race as a long-standing training target and can be expected to be spot on for the day. However, recent form gives Pivotal Point a cracking chance if his exertions have not taken too much out of him and, as he would not be risked if they had, he gets the nomination. Seb Sanders, who has the highest strike-rate of any jockey here over the last five years, takes over the riding duties and his knowledge of the course will be a vital tool as things unfold. The work that the ground staff have put in to combat the bias of the draw seems to have finally reaped a dividend and, as runners of the stands side have enjoyed more than their fare share of the spoils this week, a position in stall one may also be beneficial for the selection. A field this size obviously allows a few corners to be covered and the bang-in-form Caribbean Coral makes plenty of appeal out of the remainder. John Quinn's charge has done nothing but improve this season and is worth a small investment at double figure odds despite the fact he is creeping up the weights. This final point also gives further credence to supporting Pivotal Point though, as he has plenty of scope for further improvement from his current mark. Yet another boost is the fact that Jimmy Ryan boosted his Ascot form from the same draw on yesterday's card. So there is plenty in Pivotal Point's favour as he bids to land the biggest prize of his career so far.
