held up last, under pressure 3f out, no chance final 2f
raced wide in 4th until joined main group 9f out, pushed along approaching straight, headway to 3rd 3f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, stayed on as winner hung right inside final furlong, always held
raced wide until joined main group 9f out, led, quickened over 3f out, driven 2f out, headed when jinked right over 1f out, no impression when dropped to 3rd entering final furlong
tracked leader until pushed along 3f out, weakened 2f out, tailed off
tracked leading pair, went 2nd 3f out, challenged 2f out, soon led, hung right inside final furlong, stayed on well
took keen hold in 5th, no chance when went modest 4th 2f out
If KEENES ROYALE can continue her upward progression now returned to the turf then she could win this in style; we'll take a chance that she can do just that in selecting her from Exemplary and Into Wain, with Chink Of Light not ruled out either. Ralph Beckett's filly arrives chasing the four-timer having remainded unbeaten since taking to handicaps. That's reflected in her mark of course as she's gone up some 24lbs but she looks full value for the rise and will take the world of beating over her ideal trip if the ground isn't a problem. On breeding it certainly shouldn't be as she's out of a Dr Devious mare but until we find out for sure stakes are best kept relatively small. Exemplary is another who has to prove these conditions aren't an issue with his sole victory having come on firm ground. There are soft ground influences to be found in his pedigree though and we feel he can turn around form with Into Wain, after the last named gained a narrow success last time. A 4lb rise in the weights makes life tougher for David Simcock's charge ahead of his first start on turf but cut shouldn't be a problem and he's capable of better still. In all probability there will be little between the aforementioned pair, whilst Chink Of Light is another with claims. Andrew Balding had a good winner at Kempton on Saturday and he'll be hopeful of adding to his tally with this colt who he had spoken of as a German Derby candidate. He's got a bit to prove having disappointed favourite backers last time but remains capable of better. Leitzu looks a shade high in the weights on what she's actually achieved whilst The Starboard Bow also has plenty of weight although he'll relish conditions, but despite that fact we'll stick with Keenes Royale.
The Starboard Bow 28-1 (9-2) In rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 8, 5l behind Spanish Duke (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Chink Of Light 6-4fav (9-7) Held up in touch, pushed along and outpaced 4f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon chased winner, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Desert Recluse (8-5) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Exemplary Evensfav (9-7) Led, ridden over 1f out, edged right and headed inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 3, 3/4l behind Into Wain (8-10) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Feb.
Keenes Royale 11-10fav (9-2) Tracked leader, led 2f out, pushed clear final furlong, easily, won at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb beating Temple Fair (8-3) by 4l, 5 ran.
Into Wain (USA) 5-4 (8-10) Tracked leader, ran slightly green well over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on to lead inside final furlong, edged right, readily, won at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Feb beating Exemplary (9-7) by 3/4l, 3 ran.
Leitzu (IRE) 10-1 (9-4) In rear, headway 2f out, soon ridden, one pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 7l behind Bateau Bleu (8-0) at Nottingham 1m 2f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
