mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, in command inside final furlong, stayed on well
in touch, led and hung left over 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened final furlong
soon ridden to chase leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
well in rear, staying on at one pace when not much room over 1f out, plugged on under pressure final furlong
steadied into mid-division, shaken up over 1f out, stayed on steadily inside final furlong
always behind
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong to take 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
green and soon mid-division, ridden 3f out, no real headway
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, stayed chasing leader, rallied 1f out, no impression inside final furlong and lost 2nd near finish
always behind, struggling 4f out
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Hunting Tower has obvious claims, and can account for the likes of Mystery River, Find Me and Ajaan, with newcomer Veracity a likely danger. The latter makes his debut here, but given Michael Jarvis's record with his juveniles, it would be no surprise if Veracity were to be useful. The son of Lomitas has a Vodafone Derby entry, and is one to note for next year. However, on this occasion, he and the rest may have to give best to Hunting Tower who has been placed on each of his two starts to date, at Leicester and Sandown. That latest form behind Big Robert makes him the one to beat, and the son of Sadler's Wells has trip and ground conditions to suit today as well. Mystery River will also appreciate the extra furlong, and as Brian Meehan's juveniles improve a lot over time, she has to be kept on the right side. Find Me went left at the start on his Haydock bow, losing any chance he might have had, and as he is entered for the Racing Post Trophy, we can assume that he is useful, while Ajaan was behind Find Me's stablemate Celtic Step at Leicester and this half-brother to Vodafone Derby runner-up Dragon Dancer is pencilled in for Epsom next year. All in all, some well thought of youngsters turn out in this, and we look to Hunting Tower as the solution.
Ajaan 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 5l behind Celtic Step (9-3) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
Benny The Bat 9-4 (9-3) In touch, headway to chase winner 2f out, soon edged left, unable to quicken final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Tastahil (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn (4) pol in Sept.
Fighting Mood 33-1 (9-3) Dwelt, held up, ridden and weakened 2f out, 13th of 16, 14l behind Empire Day (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn aut (4) gf in Sept.
Find Me (USA) 7-1 (9-0) Jumped left at start and towards rear, driven over 3f out, never dangerous, 9th of 14, 16l behind Petara Bay (9-0) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Vanquisher (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 5th of 16, 6l behind Empire Day (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn aut (4) gf in Sept.
Veracity Lomitas colt, half-brother to 7f & 1m winner Terra Verde.
Mystery River (USA) 12-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden 2f out, switched right just over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 16, 3 1/2l behind Puggy (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 2yo mdn fll (2) gf in Aug.
Hunting Tower 10-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and hung right from 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Big Robert (9-3) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Aug.
