led and disputed to 15th, stayed with leader, driven to take narrow advantage 3 out until drew away run-in
held up in rear, no chance when blundered 4 out
disputed lead, narrow advantage 15th, narrowly headed 3 out, stayed challenging under pressure, ridden and upsides when mistake last and no extra run-in
chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, stayed on same pace from next
held up in rear, stayed on under pressure approaching 3 out, took modest 3rd approaching last, but never going pace to trouble leaders
chased leaders, weakened quickly 11th, well behind when pulled up before 13th
always behind, struggling 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, weakened 15th, soon well behind
in touch, chased leaders 14th, weakened approaching 3 out
Nonrunner
The consistent Ulusaba and Moving Earth should be involved in the finish again here, but we will take a chance on Koquelicot. Philip Hobbs has hit a rich vein of form and this seven-year-old should be capable of beating these if back to his best. His form this term is a shade disappointing but he was most impressive this time last year when landing three races in a row. Ground and trip should not be a problem and if the stable form rubs off on him he will be very hard to beat. Ulusaba makes the long journey south from Ferdy Murphy's yard and has strong claims on his Mandarin Chase victory at Newbury. Moving Earth doesn't know how to run a bad race and put in another solid display at Sandown last time when chasing home Boy's Hurrah and he should be capable of a place at least. Sir Talbot and Cruise The Fairway are two others that catch the eye, but for the winner we return to Koquelicot.
