chased leaders, headway to challenge well over 1f out, soon ridden and every chance, no extra final furlong
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 3f out, never on terms
never better than mid-division
towards rear, headway into mid-division over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not reach leaders
mid-division, headway under pressure from over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, rider dropped whip inside final furlong, driven and stayed on well to lead close home, all out
slowly into stride and behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on under pressure final 2f, never nearer
held up mid-division, headway 3f out, led well over 1f out, ridden and hung left inside final furlong, headed and no extra close home
led, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, no extra final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and lost place 2f out, soon behind
full into stride and behind, never dangerous
chased leader, ridden and effort over 2f out, soon lost place
mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure from over 1f out, never able to challenge
chased leaders to over 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, lost place 3f out, soon behind
in touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
Red Fort, Promotion, Polar Jem and Consonant look to be the principles in a hugely competitive John Smith's Cup, and the vote is given to Promotion. The selection was well beaten behind Red Fort at Royal Ascot in a Listed handicap, but he should get closer at the revised weights as Red Fort has an 8lbs penalty here, and he also has a tough draw to overcome in stall 16. The selection is boxed in stall 9 and will appreciate the juice in the ground and he is given the nod to turn the tables with Red Fort. Red Fort was the widest margin winner at Royal Ascot and is entitled to plenty of respect, but his trainer Michael Jarvis reported that he jarred up at Royal Ascot after that win, and with an extra 8lbs on his back and a poor draw to overcome he is narrowly passed over. Polar Jem has had a terrific campaign and has got a good draw in stall 3 and it would no surprise to see this filly from the George Margarson yard put up another bold show. She is likely to bowl along in front and although she is steadily rising in the weights, she is also improving and may still be one step ahead of the handicapper. Consonant is another that is well drawn and this gelding looks to be on a handy mark at present. He also has useful claimer on board and should go well over arguably his optimum trip. Arcalis will struggle to make the frame from stall 18, while Coat Of Honour has also not been done any favours by the draw, but Sir Mark Prescott's string have come to the fore again in the last few days so he could be interesting if the market vibes are positive. Blue Spinnaker is another that usually goes well on this track so this gelding from the Mick Easterby yard should not be dismissed lightly from a fair draw. However, Promotion has plenty in his favour here and this gelding from the Sir Michael Stoute yard is put forward as the one they all have to beat.
