slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and headway from over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden 4f out, one pace final 2f
tracked leaders, switched right over 2f out, soon chased winner, kept on, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
mid-division, ridden and some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in rear, never near leaders
made all, ridden clear over 2f out, unchallenged
chased winner, ridden over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
steadied start, held up in last place, never dangerous
It may just be worth taking a chance on Stormbeam here ahead of Wogan's Sister and Colton. The selection does come with risks attached as he hasn't appeared to go through with his effort the last twice. However, he showed ability in both races which were more competitive than this one and he still has time on his side. Shane Kelly appeals as the right type of jockey to get the best out of him and the fitting of a tongue-strap may also assist his chance. Fantasy Ride is returning from a short break over a trip that's short of his best. He's on a decent mark but will need a fine tactical ride to prevail. Colton looks sure to be in the mix if he can reproduce the form that saw him finish a close fourth here last time. He's never been the most consistent but is handicapped to win at present. Of more interest is Wogan's Sister despite her being penalised 6lbs for her win in a claimer. This may not be a great deal tougher and she has found some improvement for a change of tactics. Nordic Commander may find this company more to his liking and Dawn Wind didn't shape too badly last time but in a race where there are few solid options, Stormbeam is the call.
Bartercard (USA) 16-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, some headway stand side 2f out, never troubled leaders from over 1f out, 6th of 10, 9l behind Isphahan (9-10) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Fantasy Ride 15-2 (9-7) Held up, effort and headway 3f out, ran on to chase winner well inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Opera Writer (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Stormbeam (USA) 9-2 (9-1) Always behind, 6th of 9, 7l behind Admiral Dundas (9-6) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Always Brave 7-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden over 3f out, some headway until weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 8l behind Wind Shuffle (9-6) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Nordic Commander (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Mid-division, headway on outer over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, 11th of 16, 13l behind Addikt (9-6) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Trireme (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Keen and always behind, 5th of 8, 19l behind Light From Mars (9-2) at Chepstow 1m mdn stk (5) gf in Jun.
Wogan's Sister 20-1 (8-10) Made all, ridden over 2f out, held on gamely, won at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo clm (6) gd beating Sendefaa (7-13) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Bunty Malenoir 80-1 (7-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 7th of 11, 9l behind China Pink (8-6) at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) gs.
Dawn Wind 25-1 (9-0) In rear, pushed along over 3f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 9, 3l behind Sabre Light (9-13) at Yarmouth 1m ldy rds hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Colton 6-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden and stayed on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 12, 1l behind Itsy Bitsy (8-6) at Yarmouth 1m 2f app hcp (6) gf in Jul.
