reared start, behind, under pressure halfway, soon beaten
pulled hard in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, never nearer
led 1f, chased leaders, under pressure over 2f out, rallied approaching final furlong, soon weakened
reared start, led after 1f, headed just inside final furlong, no extra
behind, some late headway, never nearer
chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon weakened
tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 1f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, chased leaders well over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ran on well
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ran on well, never reached winner
Nothing leaps off the page here so with his excellent record at the track we will trust in Barry Hills and FETCHING ahead of Qudwah, Safina and Strictly Dancing. Michael Jarvis won this race last year but Mr Hills has the edge, winning three of the last five renewals. This year he is represented by Fetching, a twice-raced Zamindar filly. Her form so far doesn't leap off the page but she is open to improvement and should strip fitter for her Newmarket outing. Nimue has had plenty of good opportunities but she does set the standard on official ratings (80). Mrs Mogg needs to improve but the longer trip should encourage that, Safina drops in grade after a fine fourth to Music Show in the Nell Gwyn and is a huge player here from her good draw, whilst Strictly Dancing looked to be progressing well last season and this trip around here may prove to be her ideal distance. Qudwah shaped with plenty of potential on her debut last month at Newbury when second to Funky Lady; she is not the most expensive purchase but she is from a successful family and must be closely considered with fitness on her side. A fascinating contest for fillies and it is only tentatively that Fetching is selected.
Catbells (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Towards rear, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 9l behind Maid In Heaven (9-0) at Pontefract 6f 3yo fll mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Fetching 10-1 (9-0) Led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 12, 8l behind Eldalil (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 3yo fll mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Mrs Mogg 11-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden and hung left halfway, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 8l behind Skylla (8-8) at Nottingham 5f 2yo fll mdn aut (5) gd in Jul.
Nimue (USA) 6-4fav (9-4) Held up in 5th, headway 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, soon hung left and driven, no impression inside final furlong, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Battlemaiden (8-13) at Newcastle 1m 3yo fll hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Path Of Peace 100-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders and keen, faded final furlong, 7th of 15, 13l behind Tamaathul (9-3) at Doncaster 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Princess Of Troy (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Prominent, steadied when not much room over 8f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 11, 25l behind Fatanah (9-0) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo mdn fll stks (4) gd in Apr.
Qudwah (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Led over 5f out, ridden over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner final 50 yards, kept on for clear 2nd, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Funky Lady (9-0) at Newbury 7f 3yo fll mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Safina 8-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, not clearest of runs inside final 2f, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Music Show (9-1) at Newmarket 7f 3yo fll Grp 3 (1) gd in Apr.
Strictly Dancing (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden to chase winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Exceedingly Bold (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
