chased leader far side, ridden to lead group over 2f out, no chance with stand side
chased leaders far side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear stand side, pushed along halfway, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
towards rear stand side, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final 2f
dwelt, towards rear stand side, never dangerous
with leader stand side, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
towards rear stand side, ridden over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear stand side, ridden and headway 2f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear stand side, never dangerous
led far side group, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led stand side, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
soon in touch stand side, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out
in touch stand side, ridden 2f out, switched left and effort over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
in touch stand side, effort 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
close up stand side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch stand side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division stand side, never better
mid-division stand side, headway and effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch stand side, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
A smashing way to start the St Leger meeting at Doncaster, as this race is both quite classy and competitive. That said, it's not easy to pick the winner but, entering into the spirit of things, we'll side with Delusion over Asia Winds, Varnay, Sky Galaxy and La Vie Est Belle. Top weight Asia Heights forms the benchmark but Barry Hills' triple winner might be vulnerable at the top of the weights. Hilites has also won three this season, while David Loder's Varnay has been raced three pounds for a very good Ascot run, and she should have more to come. A similar comment applies to Sky Galaxy, not seen since a very good fifth in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, and for whom Kieren Fallon has been booked. Dispol Katie's form is solid and she is now stepping up to six furlongs for the first time. The Super Sprint fifth, La Vie Est Belle, is best at this trip - and is unbeaten in one effort at it - so has a right to be competitive. Bee Minor is closely weighted with Hilites. Vonadaisy put up her best effort yet when third at Ascot last time and is, at least, at the right end of the handicap. Of particular interest is Delusion, who is certainly well weighted with Varnay on Beverley maiden form in mid-August. Man Crazy is blinkered for the first time but improvement is needed on what we currently know. These comments provide of taste of the competitive flavour of this contest. Overall, though, we'll take a chance on Delusion, from the very astute Tim Easterby yard.
