chased leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up and keen, ridden over 2f out weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well and edged right inside final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, kept on same pace
always behind
led, ridden and headed over 1f out one pace
A fair bit of interest to this contest which can closely involve Opera Cape, Secret World and Rio Riva, with Opera Cape getting the tentative selection. The Godolphin runner was disappointing on his first start back since last year's 2,000 Guineas, when he was well beaten at Chester. However, he may not have handled that tight track and this galloping circuit should be ideal. He handles cut and despite never having won over this far his pedigree suggests that the trip should be no problem, so we will give him another chance as the class horse in the contest. Secret World is another lover of juice in the ground and is another classy sort who was not beaten far in the Lockinge when last seen out in May. His sire Spinning World won on soft so he should be able to handle this and there are no stamina doubts, so he can go close. Rio Riva has a bit to find with that pair on official ratings but he comes from a yard that is back to form and he also enjoys these conditions, so he cannot be totally ruled out. Of the others Pride Of Nation relishes the ground but needs to find a fair bit of improvement, Shumookh wants it quicker and the same goes for Hinterland, and the hope here is that Opera Cape returns to form and claims this prize.
Hinterland (IRE) 11-8fav (9-1) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Charlie Cool (9-1) at Nottingham 1m stk (2) gd in Jun.
Opera Cape 5-1 (8-13) Took keen hold, held up, ridden entering straight, never troubled leaders, 5th of 8, 7l behind Song of Passion (8-8) at Chester 7f stk (2) sft.
Pride of Nation (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 4th of 17, 2l behind Ordnance Row (9-5) at Sandown 1m hcap (2) gs.
Rio Riva 16-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, ridden and struggling early straight, 12th of 17, 8l behind Ordnance Row (9-5) at Sandown 1m hcap (2) gs.
Secret World (IRE) 40-1 (9-0) Held up in last pair, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never pace to trouble leaders, 4th of 8, 3l behind Red Evie (8-11) at Newbury 1m Grp 1 (1) gs in May.
Shumookh (IRE) 5-2 (9-1) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed when no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Charlie Cool (9-1) at Nottingham 1m stk (2) gd in Jun.
