led, headed 8f out, stayed prominent, led again over 3f out, ridden when headed 1f out, no extra
tracked leader, led 8f out, headed and faded over 3f out
in touch, headway to track leaders over 3f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, one pace
towards rear, headway 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, lost place 6f out soon well behind
held up, steady headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out ran on
very slowly into stride, keen, rapid headway to join leaders after 3f, weakened 2f out
It is not often Sir Michael Stoute runs a horse again so quickly and so the hint should be taken with Sharp Reply, who can beat Lola Sapola, Blackmail and Top Trees. The selection couldn't have been any more impressive when winning at Windsor last week, coming home some fifteen lengths clear of Hawk Arrow. He obviously didn't take too much out of himself and can follow up this afternoon. Lola Sapola and Blackmail met over course and distance last time, with the Callaghan runner coming out on top. There was four lengths between them on that occasion, and on six pounds better terms, Blackmail should get a lot closer. Top Trees looks the pick of the others having shown plenty of ability in two runs this season, however Sharp Reply looked a class act last week and can give weight and a beating to his rivals.
Sharp Reply (USA) 10-1 (9-7) Soon led, quickened clear 3f out, drew right away final 2f, unchallenged, eased final 50 yards, won at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gf beating Hawk Arrow (9-7) by 15l, 9 ran.
Indigo Sky (IRE) 16-1 (9-6) Prominent, with leader 5f out, led briefly over 3f out, weakened approaching 1f out, 5th of 8, 9l behind Strider (9-2) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcp (5) gf.
Lola Sapola (IRE) 10-3fav (9-2) Held up, headway well over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, soon clear, won at Brighton 1m 4f hcp (5) frm beating Blackmail (9-1) by 4l, 8 ran.
Top Trees 14-1 (7-11) Held up, headway on outside over 4f out, came wide entering straight, ridden to lead well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 4th of 12, 1l behind Masterman Ready (9-1) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp (5) gf.
Blue Hills 11-1 (8-13) Pushed along to lead after 1f, ridden and headed 2f out, edged right over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 6l behind Smart John (9-9) at Warwick 1m 5f hcp (5) gf.
Blackmail (USA) 7-2 (9-1) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Lola Sapola (9-2) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp (5) frm.
Mischief 33-1 (9-6) Prominent, weakened halfway, rear when impeded 3f out, last of 13, 38l behind Joey Perhaps (10-2) at Bath 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (6) frm.
