pressed leaders, led over 2f out, edged left and headed inside final furlong
dwelt, behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong comfortably
mid-division, headway over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong
started slowly, behind, kept on steadily final furlong, never nearer
with leaders, pressed leader and every chance 1f out, one pace and held when carried left well inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
made most, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
started slowly, always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
Very little for backers to go on here with only two of the 13 runners to have raced previously and, with neither Sweet Reply or Taranai having shown much in the way of form, the vote goes to Intimate Friend, who gets the verdict over Al Sifaat and Royal Distant. The last mentioned is a daughter of Distant View and represents the John Gosden stable that is capable of producing a first time out two-year-old winner, although they do not have that many. There will be great interest in Godolphin's Al Sifaat, an Unfuwain half-sister to a couple of winners. She will appreciate any further rain that falls and could be interesting. However, Barry Hills has introduced plenty of juveniles to win on their debuts recently and we take him to do so again here with Intimate Friend. The American-bred filly should be suited by middle distances in the future but may be sharp enough to win this. Stablemate Bay Tree is a half-sister to the useful Tante Rose and could be the main danger to the selection, Intimate Friend.
