held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well
dwelt, soon chasing leader, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
traced leader, driven to challenge over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Not the strongest renewal of this prestigious prize and the vote goes to First Charter while Razkalla and Darsim rate the main dangers. Sir Michael Stoute's charge developed in to a smart staying middle distance performer last term putting up his best efforts when runner-up in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood before landing a Listed contest at the same venue in August. The son of Polish Precedent ran well below his best on his final start in the St Leger but goes well fresh and escapes a penalty so looks to have plenty in his favour on these terms. Razkalla has a progressive profile and landed a similar heat at Leicester last time but that was a weakish affair and he may struggle to contain the selection under a 3lb penalty. Darasim represents a bang in-form yard but has been struggling of late, would have preferred further and is held by Razkalla on their running at Leicester so First Charter looks the one to be on in the opener.
