led, ridden and hung right, when headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, one pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, never reached leaders
soon outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on well final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon quicken clear
chased leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on
towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
A fascinating Listed event can go to the consistent Valjarv ahead of Dark Empress and Lucky Spin with Snow Goose and Catstar also meriting respect. The selection has improved for every run this season including in the 1000 Guineas and should appreciate this step back up in trip having raced over an inadequate six furlongs last time out at Newmarket. Ideally she would have been drawn lower but this hold-up type can finish strongly and late to take this valuable contest. Connections of Snow Goose will be hoping their filly can bounce back from a disappointing effort last time out at Newmarket in the Nell Gwyn. The soft ground could have been one reason for the poor showing and the faster conditions here will suit better. Catstar ran appallingly on her return to Britain after winning the Dubai 1000 Guineas. A return to that sort of form should see her land this event but she has obviously had her problems and she cannot be backed with confidence at too short a price. Dark Empress showed herself to be a decent sort when finishing a close up fifth in a strong Newmarket handicap at the backend of last season. If she can produce that effort in first time blinkers she holds every chance but how fit she will be remains to be seen. The hat-trick seeking Lucky Spin merits respect at this level having trounced his rivals on his latest two starts while stablemate Kunda is another whose consistency should hold her in good sway if the more fancied runners falter. On balance then the value could be with Valjarv whose stable is starting to hit full stride including having a winner at Royal Ascot.
