held up in touch, edged left and headway under pressure over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
prominent, shaken 3f out, weakening when not much room 2f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, ridden and some headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, headway under pressure over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
held up, headway rails 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out, readily
held up, pushed along over 2f out, soon beaten
prominent and keen, pushed along 2f out, slightly hampered over 1f out, soon switched left, one pace inside final furlong
prominent, led 3f out, ridden well over 1f out, headed over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
Makhlab made mincemeat of a decent field in nursery company at Chester and went on to prove it as no fluke when he finished third in the Stardom Stakes at Goodwood. He was made favourite on theat occasion but a return to seven furlongs should suit. He is fancied to make amends here and is given the TEAMtalk nod. Jay Gee's Choice put in a career-best race to beat Icannshift but the latter looks a better horse on a firmer surface. On official ratings, it is difficult to see either winning. Puma has plenty of speed in the pedigree and it would be no surprise to see Richard Hannon plundering another big prize. His breeding suggests that he wouldn't want it any softer than it is today and he may be one to be taken on. Wizard of Noz posted a third in a Group 2 at Doncaster and should have come on for his tilt in better company. Unfortunately, his trainer is not in form and this must count as a severe negative here. Babodana steps up in class and has plenty on its plate.
