chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
prominent and pulled hard, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed post
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard, led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led 2f, stayed prominent, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace when not much room inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead post
behind, effort over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Plenty of unexposed three-year-olds in a tricky affair but Leo Boy gets the vote ahead with Raoul Dufy, Sophrano and Sir Haydn as the main dangers. John Dunlop's charge made an eye-catching seasonal return when a strong finishing third in a competitive Newmarket handicap over seven furlongs to give the impression that a step up in trip would suit. The son of Danehill has twice been beaten since but has had legitimate excuses as he was badly hampered on a return visit to Headquarters on his next start and did well from a poor draw at Lingfield last time. There is plenty of stamina on the dam side of his pedigree suggesting that this longer distance will suit and he can be expected to give a good account under Pat Eddery. Raoul Dufy has proved a model of consistency and gets in on a low weight but this represents a step up in class so Paul Cole's charge needs to show further improvement to prevail while Sir Haydn now has headgear on for the first time after running below par last time and is best watched. Sophrano makes his handicap debut after a pleasing return in a Kempton maiden, which is working out well, so has to be respected under his capable apprentice.
