held up behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, took 2nd well inside final furlong, not troubled winner
always in rear, never dangerous final 2f
held up 4th, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out, no chance with winner, weakened final furlong
mid-division, no impression over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer
tracked leaders, chased winner 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, lost 2nd well inside final furlong
always behind, some late headway, never dangerous
made all, led, quickened 3f out, clear over 1f out, ridden out comfortably
tracked winner, effort 3f out, soon ridden and weakened from 2f out
took keen hold in mid-division, no headway 3f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
Drill Sergeant is a speculative pick in this contest with Gulf Express and Art Man holding obvious claims. Mark Johnston's horses tend to peak in July and while the Scot has hardly had the greatest of seasons thus far, the selection was highly thought of in Middleham and if he can put it all together, he has a fair chance off a light racing weight. Gulf Express was in rude form at the end of last season but the jury is out just now and cleary connections are hoping for improvement in a first time visor. Art Man has turned Great Leighs into a fortress and it will be fascinating to see whether he can continue his improvement switched back to the turf. The booking of Frankie Dettori is interesting on Snoqualmie Boy who needs to reverse form with Capable Guest to have a chance of seeing off the market leaders. Caravel made hay from a low base last year and won five on the spin and the market is watched with him. Prince Forever is finally dropping down the weights having flirted with listed class but Kaateb needs to build upon a second to Envisage at Pontefract. Troubador hasn't run for a while and it can be cogently argued that he was very unlucky to meet a live one in Re Barolo at Great Leighs on his last public outing. Humungous is surprisingly stepped up in trip after two no shows this term and Jeer is capable but frustrating. DRILL SERGEANT has very obvious pros and cons but at the likely odds, we are prepared to take a chance at this grade.
Humungous (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Prominent, no impression on leaders from 2f out, beaten when slightly hampered over 1f out, stayed on one pace, 8th of 29, 8l behind Mr Aviator (9-5) at Royal Ascot 1m hcap (2) gf in Jun.
Gulf Express (USA) 16-1 (9-1) Hampered start, always in rear, 18th of 19, 33l behind Sugar Ray (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Capable Guest (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Took keen hold towards rear, headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 13th of 19, 13l behind Sugar Ray (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Snoqualmie Boy 14-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden along over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 3l behind Capable Guest (8-12) at Redcar 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in May.
Jeer (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Held up in touch, chased leaders over 3f out, one pace, 5th of 15, 7l behind Step This Way (8-10) at York 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Caravel (IRE) 4-7fav (9-9) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden to challenge from over 2f out, soon 2nd, led and wandered slightly inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Ballinrobe 1m 1f stk gs in Sept beating Princely Hero (9-6) by a hd, 14 ran.
Troubadour (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Held up in touch, took closer order, approaching 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 3, 2 1/2l behind Re Barolo (9-6) at Great Leighs 1m 2f stk (3) pol in Apr.
Art Man 3-1fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, patiently ridden in rear, weaved through the field from over 1f out, ran on to lead close home, won at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcap (3) pol in May beating Vainglory (9-3) by a nk, 10 ran.
Kaateb (IRE) 4-5fav (9-11) Led early, tracked leader, ridden approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong until headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Envisage (9-10) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun.
Drill Sergeant 20-1 (9-4) Led, pushed along entering straight, driven and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 16, 3l behind Colony (8-12) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Cactus King 16-1 (9-2) Towards rear, headway 2f out, ridden and switched left over 1f out, ran on strongly towards finish, 3rd of 11, nk behind Twilight Star (9-0) at Sandown 1m hcap (3) gs in Jun.
Prince Forever (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Mid-division, chased leaders 2f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 15, 3l behind Bureaucrat (8-13) at Epsom 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.
