mid-division, headway over 2f out, switched right and ridden inside final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders
in touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong
soon pushed along mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, never nearer
in touch, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well
in touch, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened
led, headed 2f out, soon ridden, no impression inside final furlong
mid-division, outpaced 3f out, soon behind
in touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner inside final furlong
chased leader to over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression
This is a very tricky nursery that may fall to Melandre, with Oceanico Dot Com and Starlight River just two of many dangers. Melandre has contested some decent maidens and could have got in here on a lenient mark. Her most recent effort came at York in June when a close up fourth behind the speedy Distinctly Game, a repeat of that run could be good enough here. Starlight River finished third in a modest Folkestone contest last time, but it was an improved performance and there could be more to come off a competitive mark. Oceanico Dot Com made all to land a Ripon maiden in good style last time, and if handling the different ground conditions today she will be a tough nut to crack. Apologies and Rancho Cucamonga can also take a hand in the finish, but for the winner we return to Melandre.