with leaders, led inside final 2f, one pace when headed inside final furlong
disputed lead, headed inside final 2f, weakened under pressure over 1f out
rider failed to remove hood start, left several lengths, in rear, headway to chase leaders 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
took keen hold, prominent, no room on inner over 2f out to 1f out, not pace to trouble leaders when clear
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, not able to quicken, one pace final 2f
behind in touch, headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on, held final 100 yards
in touch behind, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
Not a race for a dogmatic stance, but Superfling has shown signs of ability and is selected in preference to Penel and Called Up, who marginally accrue the attention as the best of the rest. Andrew Balding will no doubt argue that point with the claims of Ballinger Express, who has some useful course form to her name and is better than her recent form figures would have you believe. Even so, she is becoming an expensive filly to follow and others present slightly more reliable profiles. Called Up is similar, in that he ran an inexplicably bad race last time and arrives here with a little to prove, while Penel ran well in a claimer nine days ago and will find this a much tougher assignment. Therefore, the nomination goes to Superfling, who is bred to make an impact at sprint distances and can do his bit to ensure that Richard Hannon stays at the top of the numerical winners list of trainers from this season so far.
