raced centre, held up, never troubled leaders
raced centre, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out
raced far side, held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders
raced centre, held up mid-division, weakened over 2f out
raced far side, chased leaders, ridden and weakened 3f out
raced far side, raced keen, held up, headway going well 3f out, ridden and led final furlong, ridden out
raced far side, chased leaders until ridden and weakened 3f out
raced far side, led, headed over 6f out, weakened over 3f out
raced far side, held up, never troubled leaders
raced far side, held up, ridden 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
raced centre, held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, weakened final furlong
raced far side, held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
raced far side, held up, not trouble leaders
raced far side, raced keen, held up, not trouble leaders
switched right start, raced far side, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, never nearer (wore cheek pieces)
raced far side, prominent 7f
raced far side, held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on, never dangerous
raced far side, prom7f (wore cheek pieces)
raced centre, held up, not trouble leaders
raced far side, held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
raced far side, prominent, led over 3f out, ridden and headed final furlong, no extra
raced far side, held up, never troubled leaders
raced far side, held up, headway 3f out, kept on, not trouble leaders
raced centre, led group, ridden over 2f out, edged right and slightly outpaced by far side group over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
raced centre, held up, not trouble leaders
raced far side, prominent, led 6f out, headed over 3f out, stayed on
raced far side, held up, not trouble leaders (wore cheek pieces)
raced far side, held up, not trouble leaders
raced centre, prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
raced centre, chased leaders, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
One of the most-valuable handicap races of the year but Zonergem is a fairly short-priced favourite following his easy Ascot win six days ago. More on him later. Bourgainville was very disappointing at Newbury last time but his trainer knows what it takes to land these big handicaps although it's a big ask off top weight. Nadour Al Bahr, an unlucky seventh in this race last year, could still go well despite being on an 8lbs-higher mark this time around. Man O'Mystery is relatively lightly raced for a five-year-old, comes here fresh and was fourth in this race off a similar mark two years ago. Atlantic Ace (now 10lbs worse off) beat Zonergem by a length-and-a-half at Goodwood on 13 September, with Tissifer (now 5lbs better off for two-and-a-quarter lengths) fifth, and Norton (now 2lbs worse off but was claimer ridden at Goodwood and did not get the best of runs) a further two lengths back in seventh. Zonergem, fitted with sheepskin cheekpieces, has since won with ridiculous ease at Ascot and is a well-handicapped horse coming into this race, which is reflected in his relatively short price for a race of this nature. Putra Pekan has won from a pound-higher mark and is closely weighted with Muchea (excluding rider's allowance) on their May Haydock runs. Muchea caught the eye at Doncaster in September but didn't follow through on it at Goodwood last time. I Cried For You won this race last year rated 88 but now is up to a rating of 99. Beauchamp Pilot is progressive but, once again in a big handicap, has not been lucky with the draw. He ought to have won at Ascot last time and still has more to come. Finished Article is favourably weighted with him on that Ascot run but he was set to run at Newmarket on Friday. Eastern Breeze won three times between April and June but is now six-pounds higher in the ratings as a consequence. Port Moresby comes here fresh after having done well during the summer and is only two-pounds higher in the ratings than for his last win. Master In Law has been disappointing in the main but has dropped to a reasonable mark as a consequence. Funfair is hard to fully assess, being a typically lightly-raced and progressive Sir Michael Stoute inmate. He beat Muchea, now three pounds better off, by a short head at York last time, with Nashaab (now 5lbs better off) a half-length away in third. Persian Lass is highly rated by connections (they won the race in 2000) and could go well at a big price. Far Lane is consistent and was just touched off at Newbury last time. Digital is 7lbs better off with Zonergem on their Ascot run six days ago but Zonergem won with ridiculous ease that day. Dual June winner Waverley is entitled to still be improving and could also go well, while Chivalry looked progressive in midsummer before coming unstuck at Pontefract. However, he comes here fresh and could still looks well handicapped. Overall, then, it is hard to get away from the impression that Zonergem's Ascot win left and there is no doubt, despite the fact that he likes to come from off the pace and has his quirks, that he is a potential blot on the handicap. Beauchamp Pilot, Waverley and Chivalry could well give you a run for your money but, as you would expect for the money, it's not often the easiest race to solve. The TEAMtalk selection has to be Zonergem with the biggest danger being Beauchamp Pilot.
