tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, stayed on to lead last stride
prominent, effort over 2f out., switched right 1f out, one pace
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened
slow into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, switched right inside final furlong, ran on
in rear in touch, ridden approaching 2f out, stayed on but not reached leaders
prominent, ridden to lead 2f out, edged left final furlong, headed last strides
A 10lb rise for his five-length success in last week's Great St Wilfred may not be enough to prevent Smokin Beau from following up and Nick Littmoden's gelding gets the vote to do just that with Mutawaqed and Fruit of Glory rated the main dangers. The selection had the Ripon race won some way out and the seven-year-old remains well treated on his old form. Fruit Of Glory has found one too good in each of his last two starts and the John Jenkins-trained gelding is entitled to be thereabouts again. He rates a bigger threat than Mutawaqed who disappointed in the Stewards' Cup last time but has claims on earlier form. The consistent Henry Hall has little respite from the handicapper, while Caustic Wit has gone off the boil of late. Speed Cop showed signs of a return to form in the Shergar Cup at Ascot behind Tychy last time and is entitled to respect. Devise has a 12lb pull for half-a-length with the selection on running at Haydock a fortnight ago and has an obvious chance on that evidence but Smokin Beau was impressive at Ripon last week and has to be the choice.
