chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken
chased leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
mid-division, ridden and not much room over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear
held up, ridden and not much room over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear and keen, ridden well over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, led inside final furoong, all out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, quickly weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
This has been the long-standing target for Anak Pekan ever since he romped away with the Chester Cup and it will take a tremendous effort from the likes of Barolo, Escayola and Jagger if he is to be overhauled today. The rain has come just in time for Michael Jarvis's charge and he has to be considered for a saver option before assessing a number of the rest. Promoter, for one, comes into the race with a cracking chance at the weights and will also be hard to keep out of the frame if his Ascot run has not taken too much out of him. Whereas Barolo ran a blinder at Goodwood and will also be dangerous if he handles this first try at two miles. However, he faces no easy task off top weight on the predicted ground and may be frustratingly just short of the mark today. Jagger, like a few of these, has been saved for this occasion and his connections will be massively disappointed if he fails to do himself justice on the day. Even so, there has to be a doubt about the form of his stable as they are still awaiting their first winner of the campaign with an older horse. Others worth considering at larger odds include: Defining, who stays well and arrives here on the back of just a couple of outings this season. James Fanshawe knows exactly how to get one spot-on for a target and his charge is no forlorn hope for each-way players. While the same has to be said of Distant Prospect, who should confirm his superiority over the likes of Jorobarden if he runs anywhere near his latest start. There is no reason to suspect that the seven-year-old will not give his all on ground that will suit and is weighted to have a live chance of winning if the Chester Cup form is taken literally. However, Anak Pekan won with plenty in hand on the Roodeye and his claims of following up are just too hard to ignore completely this afternoon. The draw, which is a consideration despite the distance of the race, has been kind to Anak Pekan and a split-stakes approach is advised with the son of In The Wings. The other half of the slip belongs to Promoter, who can track the favourite from the next box along in the stalls. The Jeremy Noseda-trained gelding is at the right end of the weights and can provide a little value if Anak Pekan is found out by his 11lb hike in the ratings. Dorothy's Friend is also interesting for a place if he gets a run.
