stumbled stalls, prominent stand side, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up on far side, ridden 3f out, no impression
mid-division stand side, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong
prominent, ridden, every chance over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no chance with winner
led to 3f out stand side, ridden, weakened quickly after
held up stand side, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led far side, headed over 2f out, ridden, found nil final furlong
in touch far side, ridden, stayed on one pace final 2f out
chased leader stand side, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up stand side, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong, easily
held up far side, ridden, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
This is make-or-break time for I AM The Best, who sets a good standard on the BHA assessments and can be fancied to gain a belated first success. Sunny Future and Solar Graphite make the most appeal from the others with experience, while Gearbox and Such Optimism are interesting debutantes worth bearing in mind. The last named is bred to get a good deal further, while Gearbox, as a half-brother to Scotty's Future can be expected to make an impact before too long and can be placed to good effect by his astute trainer. Solar Graphite never recovered from a slow start on his introduction 20 days ago and comes here with a bit to prove. Still, he is entitled to improve for the run and, as he is related to several winners, he cannot confidently be ruled out in a race lacking obvious strength in depth. Sunny Future is highly regarded by Malcolm Saunders and a big run today will initiate a quick step up in class. The son of Masterful has done very little wrong in either of his previous starts and stands out as the main obstacle in the way of the selection. However, I Am The Best takes a significant drop in grade today and can be fancied to relish taking on this weaker calibre of opponent. A bit of give underfoot suits him well and the David Simcock-trained colt is the logical choice here.
I Am The Best 16-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 5th of 7, 5l behind Classic Blade (8-12) at Newmarket 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Jul.
Solar Graphite (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Slowly away, behind, ridden and struggling halfway, 6th of 8, 15l behind Derbaas (9-3) at Ascot 7f 2yo mdn (3) gf in Jul.
Mister Dee Bee (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Took keen hold with leaders, every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 13, 7l behind Whispering Angel (9-3) at Newbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Sunny Future (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, soon tracking leader, ridden to lead 2f out, soon headed and outpaced, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Derbaas (9-3) at Ascot 7f 2yo mdn (3) gf in Jul.
Free To Choose (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, not much room 2f out, soon weakened, last of 5, 24l behind Lucky Redback (9-1) at Warwick 7f 2yo nov stk (5) gf in Jul.
Harry Raffle 66-1 (9-3) Started slowly, always in rear, struggling over 3f out, tailed off, last of 16, well behind Marine Boy (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
Marcus Crassus (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Slowly away, ridden and struggling halfway, always behind, 8th of 11, 14l behind High Alert (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol in Jul.
Mykingdomforahorse 20-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, under pressure over 1f out, weakened, 6th of 10, 14l behind Nashmiah (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn auc (6) gf.
Tax Dodger (IRE) 40-1 (8-9) Dwelt, outpaced behind, 6th of 7, 15l behind Rafiqa (8-8) at Nottingham 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs in Jul.
Such Optimism Sakhee filly, related to numerous winners from 7f-2m2f.
Perfect Friend Reel Buddy filly, half-sister to 6f & 7f winner Benllech.
Gearbox (IRE) Tillerman colt, half-brother to several winners from 6f-1m3f.
Efficiency 28-1 (9-0) Always behind, last of 9, 11l behind Lady Cottingham (9-0) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Jul.
