tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden to lead well over 1f out, headed final strides
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, effort over 4f out, weakened 3f out
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead final strides
took keen hold mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
held up, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
An interesting handicap in which the beautifully-bred Majhud, stepping up in trip, can be another winner for John Dunlop. Western could give him most to do. The selection was fourth here on his seasonal return (Recount held on that form) and the extra two furlongs should be in his favour. Western, who cost 275,000gns as a yearling, was having his first run for Amanda Perrett when fourth last time (a John Dunlop runner won the race) and could conceivably improve at this trip. Rocket Ship, a one-time Racing Post Trophy aspirant isn't certain to be suited by the trip, a comment applicable also to The Ring. Sovereign Dreamer came good at Ripon last time, a race in which Ski Jump (who finished ahead of Majhud last time) ran unaccountably badly. Kings Mountain, formerly trained in Ireland by David Wachman, is well bred but still has something to prove despite being highly-tried as a juvenile. The consistent Nawow makes his turf debut while Bernini is another unexposed runner with a good pedigree. Mark Johnston's stable is now hitting form but Amundsen looks vulnerable off top weight.
