chased leaders over 3f
behind, ridden halfway, never dangerous
slowly into stride, held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
behind, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon every chance, no extra inside final furlong
held up, keen early, headway over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ran on
led, ridden and headed 2f out, faded
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
prominent, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
Although the resurgent form shown Bahamian Pirate makes him a very difficult customer to ignore, the terms of this race give Bali Royal every chance of halting her winless-drought and she is just given the nod here. The Trader and Smokin Beau are others who will not be far away at the finish and have to be included in any combination forecast plans. However, Bali Royal, who is having her first ruin for the Malcom Saunders yard tonight, may just have been freshened up by her mover and she is fancied to build upon some solid efforts in defeat here. She convincingly held Bahamian Pirate in the Porcelanosa Stakes at Sandown at the start of this month and there is no real reason to expect her to run below that level of form. Maltese Falcon appeals as the best of the those available at bigger odds, while Rushcutter Bay is best watched for the time being.
