held up mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, no impression final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
slowly into stride, towards rear, never nearer
always prominent, ridden and led entering final furlong, ridden out
slowly into stride, always in rear
raced alone until joined main group and led well over 4f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, stayed on
chased leader, ridden 3f out, stayed on final furlong
With Zilch, Marshman, Soyuz and Obrigado set to be non-runners if there is no overnight rain, the scene looks set for Enchanted to complete a straight hat-trick of wins at the main expense of possibly Master Robbie and Kings County. Seven pounds higher in the ratings than for her latest victory, the Neville Callaghan-trained mare has clearly improved this season and looks well worth trying at a mile now following wins at six and seven furlongs. She can also quicken, which is a useful asset to any horse, comes here in good heart, and it would be no surprise to see her eventual land a Listed contest. Turning to the others. Course winner Kings County, who was a very good third in Newbury's Spring Cup two runs ago, remains competitive but is five pounds higher in the ratings than for his course and distance win in October, while Wing Commander continues to fall short of his billing. Vindication actually ran well last time in the Victoria Cup but the downside is that all three of his career wins have come at seven furlongs. Taranaki will be doing well to defy a six-pound hike for winning at Goodwood, his second success from his last four runs, but Master Robbie is now back to a winning mark so do not dismiss his chance lightly. It remains remarkable that Hurricane Floyd has only won one race while, if the rains come, Zilch and Soyuz will certainly have their supporters. At the time of writing, though, for us, Enchanted looks the one to beat.
