raced wide, always towards rear
mid-division, ridden, headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, not reached leaders
tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well
led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, lost place, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace, no impression final furlong
soon in touch, ridden, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 2f out, never near leaders
behind, lost touch 4f out, soon tailed off
behind, headway over 2f out, switched outside over 1f out, ridden, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong
mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden, edged left 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
behind, ridden over 2f out, never on terms
mid-division, ridden, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong
An interesting race for future reference can go to Regal Connection, who is selected in preference to Dee Day and Marc Of Brilliance, while Methusaleh is better than he showed last time and it will be no surprise to see him bounce back to form on this softer ground. Tim Easterby's charge should not be inconvenienced by the step up in trip and a market move will give a good indication towards the owners' confidence about gaining their first winner of the season with this son of Mutamam. Marc Of Brilliance caught the eye when staying on late over a mile at Yarmouth last month. He is tried in blinkers for the first time and this well-bred individual looks sure to be a popular choice in the betting market. However, his sire, Sunday Silence, who was a star in Japan, is more noted for top of the ground performers, so This Godolphin-owned colt is not one to go overboard about if the heavens open. Dee Day was still a little green at Salisbury when he was last out and needs to post an improved effort this time around. The step up in distance is in his favour, though and he may represent good value for each-way backers. However, Regal Connection also rates as fair option after three solid efforts so far. An $80,000 purchase as a foal, the Mark Johnston-trained filly helps set the standard on the official figures for a race named after the Scotsman's former stable star, Double Trigger. Sentiment aside, Johnston's charge is here on her own merits and, with the 5lb fillies allowance sure to help, Regal Connection rates as a solid betting proposition in a wide open contest.
Dee Day (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (9-0) Stumbled leaving stalls, soon in touch, ridden 3f out, not clear run on rail over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Familiar Territory (9-0) at Salisbury 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Aug.
Macorville (USA) 100-1 (8-12) Ridden and headway over 2f out, edged left, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 4, 3 1/2l behind True Cause (8-12) at Nottingham 1m nov stk (5) gs in Aug.
Marc of Brilliance (USA) 5-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 2f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, ran on and hung left inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Dubai Typhoon (9-0) at Yarmouth 1m 2yo mdn (5) gd in Aug.
Marinero Pine Bluff gelding, half-brother to 6f & 1m winner John Michael.
Methusaleh (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) In touch, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 22l behind Anna Pavlova (9-0) at Newcastle 1m 2yo hcp (3) gf in Aug.
Moonhawk Montjeu colt out of a lightly-raced maiden.
Nelsons Column (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Road To Love (9-0) at Beverley 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Aug.
Regal Connection (USA) 7-2 (8-8) Chased leaders early, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Missoula (7-11) at York 1m 2yo mdn aut (4) gf in Aug.
