hampered inside first furlong, behind, never dangerous
tracked leaders, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out
tracked leader, under pressure over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
behind, headway over 2f out, soon no impression
held up in rear, under pressure over 4f out, soon beaten
held up in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, soon no impression
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra
tracked leader, hardridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
KEENES ROYALE looks to have solid claims here and rates our idea of the best bet on the card, with Mary Helen and The Great Husk put forward as the likely dangers. Ralph Beckett's filly proved herself to have been given a lenient mark when winning on her first handicap start last time and a 6lb penalty wouldn't have stopped her that day, so may not stop her here. The step up to a mile and a half should suit this well-related three-year-old and she's by far the most interesting runner set to go to post. Mary Helen has been in fine form of late with and indeed has only twice been outside the first four in 14 starts. The concern with this Mark Brisbourne-trained filly is that she's never raced over this far but many will give her the chance to prove it is no problem; certainly, the way she has raced so far offers hope to those backers. The Great Husk is closely matched with Vittachi on their running last time, but our preference is for the Stan Moore runner who may have paid the price for going on too early last time and may benefit from a more patient ride this time. Jennerous Blue was behind our pick when they last met and hasn't to scope for progress of the Beckett runner so looks easily opposable, as is Land Of Plenty on the same grounds - she was a place further back that day. Port Hill makes his handicap debut off a lowly mark and steps up markedly in trip so is worth a market check, but Keenes Royale looks to have been found the ideal opportunity to follow up.
Mary Helen 10-3 (9-2) Started very slowly, chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon no impression, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Cosimo De Medici (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Keenes Royale 3-1fav (9-0) With leaders, went 2nd before halfway, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Captain Cool (8-10) by 2 3/4l, 8 ran.
Second Brook (IRE) 16-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, never on terms, 6th of 7, 6l behind Danger Mulally (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Port Hill 100-1 (9-3) Raced wide, mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened, last of 11, 35l behind Prompter (9-3) at Chester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Aug.
Jennerous Blue 3-1fav (8-11) Held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Keenes Royale (9-0) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Vittachi 16-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, effort to chase leader 2f out, soon ridden, kept on and every chance until one pace final furlong, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Rock A Doodle Doo (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
The Great Husk (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Led narrowly, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Rock A Doodle Doo (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Land Of Plenty (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Close up, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 8, 6l behind Keenes Royale (9-0) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
