pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out, readily
stumbled start, led, headed 8f out, remained prominent, led again 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, stayed on one pace
prominent, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
pulled hard, held up, headway 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
chased leader after 1f, led 8f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out
keen, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
keen, tracked leader for 1f, remained in touch, switched left 3f out, ridden and effort approaching 2f out, kept on one pace
Nonrunner
Nero's Return caught the eye last time and can pay to follow, with Instructor and Pevensey rated the main dangers. Nero's Return showed signs of an imminent return to the winner's enclosure when second in a competitive handicap at Ripon last week, always up with the pace before being collared by Forthright. Mark Johnston's gelding is lower in the weights than when successful at Goodwood last August, and with ground conditions to suit as well, should make a bold bid to go one better. Instructor caught the attention of the stewards when improving on past efforts to make all at Chester, and if that was no fluke, he will be a big danger. If He and Nero's Return get embroiled in a battle up front, that may suit Pevensey who likes to come from behind, and who has run well in defeat at both Windsor and York on his last two starts. He can make the frame at least, while Sky Quest is well treated compared to last year but is fully exposed. Nero's Return is the pick.
Pevensey (IRE) 17-2 (8-11) Held up, ridden over 2f out, headway on outer over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Luberon (9-0) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Instructor 6-1 (9-7) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, rallied to lead again inside final furlong, ran on, won at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Billy One Punch (8-8) by 1l, 7 ran.
Nero's Return (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Tracked leader, led well over 2f out, driven and headed entering final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Forthright (9-4) at Ripon 1m 4f hcap (3) gd.
Sky Quest (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Steadied start and held up, headway 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 2l behind Riley Boys (9-7) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Count Kristo 6-1 (9-9) Held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Gringo (9-10) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Wester Lodge (IRE) 15-2 (9-5) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 8, 6l behind Mount Usher (8-7) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Stolen Hours (USA) 11-1 (11-6) Close up, ridden 3f out, soon lost place, 9th of 13, 15l behind Great View (11-2) at Epsom 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Smooth Jazz 6-1 (9-9) Pulled hard, held up, moderate effort under pressure over 2f out, eased when beaten final furlong, 11th of 12, 16l behind Alessano (9-9) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
