slowly into stride, joined leader after 3f, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 4f out, no impression
in touch, led 2f out, soon hung right, ridden out
in touch, ridden 5f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong
held up, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
Some unexposed well-bred types in opposition in an interesting opener but preference is for Strategy ahead of Sayadaw while Timber Ice and Anchorsholme are others of note. Sir Michael Stoute's charge made a highly promising debut when a staying on third behind a well regarded yardstick over ten furlongs at Pontefract in late April. The daughter of Machiavellian shapes as though the step up to this trip will suit ideally and, with her yard continuing in such excellent form, she should prove hard to beat. Sayadaw was very weak in the market and ran green on his first start at Salisbury but put up a highly encouraging display to finish a close second and is entitled to improve while stable mate Timber Ice appears the second string but is progressing with experience and shouldn't be dismissed. Anchorsholme looks the pick of the John Dunlop pair after a pleasing introduction over an inadequate test at Newbury and may reverse placings with John Gosden's Pilgrim Spirit who may struggle to stay this longer trip.
