behind when slightly hampered after 2f, no chance final 3f
led ridden, and headed 2f out, stayed challenging until weakened final furlong
chased leader, led on bit 2f out, soon hard ridden, found little in front and headed final 50 yards
chased leaders, hard ridden over 1f out, ran on under pressure to lead final 50 yards
in touch on outer when bumped, clipped heels and fell after 2f
slowly into stride, soon in touch, weakend over 2f out
in touch, ran on final furlong, never nearer
dwelt, held up in rear, effort on inner 2f out, never near to challenge
in touch, ridden 3f out, soon beaten
pulled hard, soon chased leaders, weakend 2f out
bumped, and pushed wide after 2f, never near leaders after
Stevedore, who is progressing at the right time, could be the one here with dangers, among others, being Dark Day Blues, Stevedore and Taminoula. Stevedore, a half brother to Cape Cross, is progressing with each run, and a step up to this trip last time brought the desired effect. The well-related Taminoula has a similar profile and her trainer, Amanda Perrett, also trains the horse that finished runner-up to the selection at Folkestone, so will have a handle on the form. Truly Wonderful's form is solid but she has been on the go a long time now. Kieren Fallon teams up with Luca Cumani's Sahara Storm, who should be better over further in time. Sanbonah came good at Yarmouth last time and is also on an upward curve of improvement. These races are never straightforward at this time of year but Stevedore has a likeable profile and gets our nomination.
