led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
behind, ridden and headway well over 1f out, ran on nearest at finish
mid-division, ridden 5f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden to lead 2f out, edged right final furlong, ran on
chased leader to over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, 2 over 2f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden and headway well over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up, effort over 4f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened and eased over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on, not trouble winner
mid-division, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
A wide open contest gets proceedings underway and many would have chances on their best form but the principals look to be Desert Image, Reminiscent and Bienheureux and the vote is given to Desert Image. The selection has dropped to a handy mark and ran as if about to hit form when second behind Summer Charm last time out. This looks easier and off the same mark he will be hard to beat. Reminiscent rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Elina, especially as this longer trip looks sure to suit. Bienheureux is another worthy of respect on his latest second behind Edgehill but he has yet to prove he stays this far and for that reason he is passed over on this occasion. Barathea Blue is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but he will do well to win under his big weight and we are happy to return to Desert Image who ran so well last time out and looks the one to beat.
Barathea Blue 11-1 (9-10) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened, 6th of 13, 13l behind Ellina (9-10) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Desert Image (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and ran on final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Summer Charm (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 45-70 (5) pol in Sept.
Simply The Guest (IRE) 5-1 (8-13) Pushed along behind, never dangerous, tailed off over 6f out, 6th of 7, 19l behind Vanbrugh (8-13) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp (5) fbs in Apr.
War Owl (USA) 11-2fav (8-8) Held up mid-division, outpaced 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 3rd of 14, 4l behind Blue Bajan (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Niobe's Way 7-1 (9-11) Prominent, chased leader 5f out, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out, 6th of 13, 19l behind Lord Nellsson (8-12) at Chepstow 2m 2f mdn hcp (6) gf in Aug.
Bienheureux 9-2 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Edgehill (9-8) at Lingfield 1m 4f app hcp (6) pol in Sept.
Avicia 12-1 (8-8) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, strong run inside final furlong to take 3rd, nearest finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Gambling Spirit (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 5f mdn stk (5) pol in Sept.
Precious Mystery (IRE) 9-1 (12-0) Led early, remained prominent until weakened 2f out, 6th of 16, 8l behind Sir Monty (11-5) at Goodwood 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
