steadied start, held up, headway over 1f out, soon chased leader, ridden and kept on same pace
with leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, soon headed, kept on one pace
dwelt, keen, held up, good headway over 1f out, challenged entering final furlong, ridden and ran on to lead post
dwelt, ran green in rear, outpaced from halfway
keen held up intouch, led over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, headed post
dwelt, held up, ridden halfway, not trouble leaders
awkward leaving stalls, held up intouch, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
soon with leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
led until 2f out, ridden and weakened final furlong
Brian Meehan won this race last year and Star Today has to be of interest with Fallon booked but the three to have raced, ELSHABAKIYA, Catalinas Diamond and Countess Ellen, set a reasonable standard with Clive Brittain's filly looking the pick. The selection finished in front of Countess Ellen at Sandown when running second to an exciting prospect of John Gosden's with the front two pulling just over a length clear of the field with Countess Ellen beaten six lengths into sixth. The form has yet to be tested but it will be surprising if the race doesn't work out and Elshabakiya is fancied to go one better. Countess Ellen looks a sure fire improver and can step up on the form as may Catalinas Diamond who may well have won at Bath but for idling as she pricked her ears and wandered around in front; the experience shouldn't be lost on her. Star Today is a half-sister to Mia's Boy amongst others, Dubai Affair isn't from a yard that's a ready source of debut winners but she, too, looks the part on paper and would have to be of interest if the market spoke in her favour but ready preference is for Elshabakiya in an interesting heat.
Catalinas Diamond (IRE) 50-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, led well over 1f out, soon edged right, headed last 50 yards, no extra, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Tipsy Girl (9-0) at Bath 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) fm in May.
Countess Ellen (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Dwelt, raced off the pace in about 8th, modest headway inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Maqaasid (9-0) at Sandown 5f 2yo fll mdn (4) gd in May.
Crying Lightening (IRE) Holy Roman Emperor filly out of Auction Room.
Dubai Affair Dubawi filly out of Palace Affair.
Elshabakiya (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along 2f out, stayed on to dispute lead inside final furlong and every chance until readily outpaced by winner final 150 yards, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Maqaasid (9-0) at Sandown 5f 2yo fll mdn (4) gd in May.
My Elliemay Oratorio filly out of Virginia Reel.
Princess Izzy Tale Of The Cat filly out of Victory Spirit.
Star Today Invincible Spirit filly out of Bint Zamayem.
Water Ice Shamardal filly out of Cumulate.
