slowly into stride, led after 1f, headed 9f out, led again 6f out, ridden clear over 3f out, headed inside final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, one pace
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, chased clear leader over 2f out, faded
in touch, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, led inside final furlong, edged left
tracked leaders and keen, ridden and weakened over 3f out
held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, kept on
towards rear, ridden over 6f out, never better than finishing position
mid-division, ridden and weakened 4f out
led, headed after 1f, soon behind, tailed off over 4f out
always in rear
prominent, led over 9f out, headed 6f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, hampered 10f out, never on terms
mid-division, hampered 10f out, soon behind
Ballet Boy can successfully defy a penalty to overcome the likes of Raise The Goblet, Duty Free and Converti. Sir Mark Prescott has utilised his tried and trusted formula with Ballet Boy, of three quiet juvenile runs over too short a trip, before being stepped up in distance in handicap company. The trick worked on the gelding's return at Windsor on Monday, and he makes a quick reappearance under a 6lb penalty. That is hardly likely to stop him, as the son of Sadler's Wells should improve even more over the extra two furlongs. William Haggas tried a similar ploy with Raise The Goblet at Yarmouth, and that also had a successful outcome. He was then beaten by a higher-rated rival on a return visit to the seaside track, and can give the selection most to do. Duty Free makes his handicap bow today, but appears to have been done no favours, while Converti is only plating level at present. Ballet Boy in contrast has lots more to offer, and should take all the beating.
Ballet Boy (IRE) 7-2 (9-0) Driven to lead after 1f, hard driven from 2f out, stayed on under strong pressure throughout final furlong, won at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gs beating Rustic Gold (8-5) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Duty Free (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, kept on one pace, 4th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Grey Rover (9-3) at Bath 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Fizzy Bella 20-1 (8-8) Held up, switched left over 1f out, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 10l behind Buxton (8-13) at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol in May.
Chiff Chaff 9-2co-fav (9-3) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 4l behind Sumner (9-4) at Salisbury 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) gf in May.
Whodunit (UAE) 50-1 (9-3) Led, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner, weakened inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Brisk Breeze (8-12) at Chepstow 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) gs in May.
Alnwick 10-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden and no impression over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind King of The Beers (8-12) at Kempton 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Mar.
Converti 7-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, edged left and kept on, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Right Option (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo sll (6) pol.
Raise The Goblet (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Tracked leaders, chased clear leader over 3f out, effort and hung left inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Pretty Demanding (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) sft.
