tracked leading pair on inside, went 2nd over 2f out, led 1f out, ridden and joined inside final furlong, found extra near finish
led, ridden and joined over 1f out, headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
in touch, pushed along halfway, no progress final 2f
steadied start, held up last, outpaced over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
chased leading trio, effort on inside over 1f out, chased winner and strong challenge under pressure inside final furlong, found no extra and held near finish
soon chased leader, weakened under pressure over 2f out
NEW LEYF can follow up a recent success with Crown Choice and Belle des Airs the most pertinent dangers. Jeremy Gask's inmate was a ready winner last time out over six and was not stopping at the death. He can make match fitness count on the follow up bid. Crown Choice is the sort that could be taking on opposition overseas in time. There was plenty of confidence behind him on seasonal reappearance and he almost delivered the gamble. The handicapper has put him up 2lb for that run. Belle Des Airs was progressive on the turf last year. She will need to show plenty of speed to get the lead from box three. Conor Dore has been among the winners of late so do not dismiss Ilie Nastase. The trip is a little on the sharp side for him but a frenetic early pace could play into his hands. New Leyf looks the most progressive in the field but he will need to be in order to account for this better grade of opposition.
Crown Choice 4-1fav (9-4) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, led 1f out, hard driven and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Spirit Of Sharjah (9-4) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
Belle des Airs (IRE) 3-1fav (9-11) Led, headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Mujood (9-9) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Sep.
Carcinetto (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) In rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on never nearer, 6th of 11, 8l behind Shamwari Lodge (8-12) at Kempton 1m fll lst stks (1) pol.
Ilie Nastase (FR) 28-1 (8-12) Behind, some late headway, never nearer, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Spirit Of Sharjah (9-4) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
New Leyf (IRE) 11-4fav (8-10) Pulled hard, held up in touch, switched outside 2f out, headway 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar beating Ray Of Joy (8-8) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Mut'ab (USA) 11-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 14, 13l behind Barricado (8-10) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
L'Hirondelle (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out, 7th of 11, 12l behind Everybody Knows (9-0) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
