held up in touch, effort 2f out, chased winner 1f out, one-paced under pressure
held up in rear, headway and hung right from over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd, final 75 yards, no impression winner
held up behind leaders, headway on inside from 3f out, ridden to challenge and hung badly right from over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong
set steady pace, quickened 2f out, pushed clear final furlong, readily
took keen hold, tracked leaders, chased winner over 2f out until 1f out, outpaced inside final furlong
raced wide in touch, pushed along 3f out, soon beaten
There is sure to be no hanging around here as the presence of Nahaay, who has reputedly been working very well at home, virtually assures this will be run at fair pace. That scenario will suit none better than Court Masterpiece, who came from well off the pace to land a Listed race here when he was last seen out. The fact that Johnny Murtagh is back in the plate suggests that his connections mean business this time around and the son of Polish Precedent could have too much of a finishing punch for the rest today. State City, winner of a Group One in Dubai last year, has a little to prove on his first start on these shores and, considering his stable's form at present, he is probably best watched today. The same comments apply to Maghanim, as he has obviously had his share of problems and may just need this to put him straight. Whereas Caveral and Mustajed lack experience at this level and should benefit the most from the run. Suggestive is now an old hand in races like this and, even though he is respected, the likelihood is that he will find one too good again today. Which brings us back to Court Masterpiece, whose penalty is counterbalanced by his obvious suitability to this idiosyncratic course.
