keen in touch, ridden over2 furlong out, weakened over 1f out
slow into stride, held up, always in rear
close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out, ran on
close up, ridden and weakened over 2f out
led, headed halfway, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on final furlong
slow into stride, towards rear, never nearer
slow into stride, mid-division, ridden and some headway 2f out, no impression from over 1f out
dwelt, towards rear, never dangerous
tracked leader, led and switched to under stands' side rail over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on one pace
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, not reached leaders
slow into stride, held up, headway over 2f out, kept on but not reached leaders
Most of these will be better for another year of growing up and even though River Royal is no exception, he tentatively forwarded as the one to lead this large field home. Museeb and Bonfire are others with experience that are entitled to have improved since the last time we saw them in action, while Bachelor Affair was clueless on his debut and will need to post a better performance this afternoon. Centaurus will no doubt be a popular choice considering his connections and pedigree. However, seven furlongs will be the absolute minimum for him and others make more appeal here. None more so than River Royal, who has experience of the track, has acted on the going and is expected to improve for the step up in trip. Facto in Peter Chapple-Hyam's record with juveniles at the higher profile courses and the case for River Royal is too hard to ignore today.
