made all, shaken up and quickened clear over 1f out, comfortably
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden and switched inside over 1f out, stayed on
This one looks to be between the top two Big Bad Bob and Stressless. Though both horses would prefer genuine good ground, or even some cut for the latter, Big Bad Bob is taken to succeed. Rated 89 following his one-and-half-length win from Dutch Gold over course and distance last time, a repeat of that running should be good enough here. John Dunlop's colt has learned his trade quickly and his pace-setting tactics will also be in his favour over a course where winners rarely come from behind on fast ground. That is not to dismiss Stressless from the contest. The Barry Hills-trained colt clearly has potential, evidenced by his win from Desert Lord over a trip just a shade shorter than this here last time. Bred to get a little further, the Barathea colt will be ready to expose any weaknesses that the favourite may have. Best of the remainder is likely to be Lucayan Dancer, who is back over arguably his best trip and with ground that should suit.
