soon led and set strong pace, soon clear, ridden and ran on strongly final furlong
held up, effort on outside over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, effort on inside over 1f out, one pace
started slowly, held up in rear, ridden and no headway final furlong
held up, headway on outside over 2f out, ran on one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, held up in rear, plenty to do 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, switched left final furlong, ran on well
tracked leaders, effort 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, stayed on, no impression
chased winner to over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A competitive renewal of this prestigious event but Desert Deer is just preferred ahead of Dandoun, Dupont and Frenchmans Bay. Mark Johnston's runners have needed the run this term and there was plenty of encouragement to be gleaned from Desert Deer from his comeback effort at Newmarket last week. The five-year-old attempted to make all in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton but was collared close home and had to settle for second place behind the very smart Olden Times. Sure to be sharper for the outing, Desert Deer will prove hard to peg back under Kevin Darley. Dandoun was an impressive winner of a Listed event at Doncaster last month and has nothing to fear from Smirk on these terms. John Dunlop's charge should go close while Frenchmans Bay, who was third in the 2,000 Guineas two years ago, has had his problems but retains plenty of ability judged on his recent confidence boosting success at Lingfield. Dupont landed both the German and Italian Guineas last term and should not be underestimtaed but may just need the outing while Reel Buddy has a little to prove at this level.
