led, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
chased leader to over 3f out, weakened quickly
held up in rear, headway and hanging left from over 2f out, staying on when switched right over 1f out, chased winner and strong challenge well inside final furlong, just held
behind, pushed along early straight, soon weakened
in touch, pushed along entering straight, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, hung left and weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 4f out, soon struggling
keen hold early, held up in touch, smooth headway to track leader on bit over 3f out, led going well 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra final 100 yards
held up last, pushed along and steady headway from 3f out, chased leader from 2f out, led 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, held on
Makderah can make fitness count over the likes of Scottish Stage and Innocent Air, with Adventuress and Arm Candy another couple to note. With neither Short Skirt or Alexandrova that impressive in Wednesday's Musidora at York, there may be a further twist to the Oaks puzzle after today. However, the young lady with the best chance here is by all accounts not ready for the Epsom test. That is Makderah, a strapping daughter of Danehill who galloped her rivals into the ground when making all to land her maiden here at Newbury just less than a month ago. She is from the same family as Nashwan and Nayef so should have no trouble staying middle distances, but her size is reckoned to be a drawback regarding handling the contours of Epsom, so connections have made today's prize the number one target. They may think again if she is impressive but will not rush this classy filly. There has been Oaks support for Scottish Stage recently, and with Short Skirt obliging at York, Sir Michael Stoute seems to have more options than most. She will certainly benefit from today's trip, having just been denied by Aidan O'Brien's Race For The Stars in a Listed event at Newmarket last October. Innocent Air is a progressive sort as well but is another that will benefit from the run, while Adventuress and Arm Candy are fitter but need to step up a gear as does Hanoona. As Eswarah won this last year, a mention should be made of Michael Jarvis's entry Karlovy who is also entered for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. She obviously possesses ability, but there is no substitute for class, and Makderah has that in abundance.
Innocent Air 10-1 (8-6) Made all, pushed along from over 1f out, well in command when flashed tail inside final furlong, ran on strongly, won at Newbury 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Aug beating Galileo's Star (8-6) by 2l, 9 ran.
Adventuress Evensfav (8-12) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead over 1f out, quickened clear, won at Bath 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gf beating Sweet Spot (8-12) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Annabelle Ja (FR) 1-2fav (8-11) Made all, led, shaken up 2f out, stayed on well, driven out, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Dec beating Starship (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Arm Candy (IRE) 8-13fav (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 3, 1/2l behind Spinning Ruby (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 3yo stk (3) gd.
Guilia 50-1 (8-9) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway on outer over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, won at Thirsk 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept beating Northern Boy (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Hanoona (IRE) 5-2 (8-10) Led 1f, tracked leader, led over 1f out, headed just inside last, no extra, 2nd of 3, 1 1/2l behind Before You Go (9-1) at Epsom 1m 2f 3yo stk (2) gd in Apr.
Jaish (USA) 8-1 (9-0) Held up in last pair, driven 3f out, soon hung left and beaten, 5th of 6, 7l behind dhtrs Soft Centre (9-0) & Rising Cross (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo lst fll (1) gd.
Karlovy Halling filly, half-sister to numerous winners up to 1m6f including the very smart Marienbard.
Makderah (IRE) 11-4fav (8-12) Made all, kept steady pace, shaken up 2f out, ran on strongly final furlong, ridden out, won at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr beating Rodeo (9-3) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Scottish Stage (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Slowly away, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Race For The Stars (8-9) at Newmarket 7f 2yo lst fll (1) gs in Oct.
