tracked leaders, ridden and not much room over 2f out, no impression final furlong
held up, headway over 3f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not quicken
mid-division, ridden approaching 3f out, one pace
towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, one pace
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened approaching 2f out
behind, switched right when not much room over 2f out, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f fout, one pace
in touch, ridden to lead over 3f out, weakening when hung right inside final furlong
towards rear, headway and driven over 4f out, soon weakened
mid-division, smooth headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well
tracked leader, driven 5tf out, tailed off final 3f
An intriguing contest where it is hard discount the chances of any of the field. Johnny Oscar (a half-bother to Arctic Owl) ran a fine race on his reappearance and is still open to improvement at this trip. He should be capable of giving them all something to think about and, as long as there is no significant softening of the ground, he can build on his seasonal debut today. Turtle Valley has also begun the campaign in good style and will not be found wanting for stamina; especially if there is a telling early pace. He acts on most types of ground and will be hard to beat if there is any rain beforehand. Prairie Falcon is also dangerous to write off but failed to give a true account of himself at Chester last time and has a little to prove on the balance of this season's form. Bourgeois also has the ability to go close but was burdened with a crushing handicap mark when he made his debut on these shores and has struggled to make an impact so far. Therefore Hambleden may represent decent value as a bet to nothing each way if he can finally repeat his form away from his beloved Sandown. Lady Two K and Royal Cavalier both have form at the trip but have shown their best over twelve furlongs.
