in touch, effort to chase leader over 2f out, one pace and beaten over 1f out
held up towards rear, 7th and staying on same pace when snatched up inside final furlong
held up towards rear, effort on outer 3f out, soon struggling
pulled hard in rear, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
led 1f, chased winner until over 1f out, outpaced final furlong
raced keenly, soon tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out and soon weakened
close up, not much room on rails 5f out, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden and ran on same pace from over 1f out
held up towards rear and never a factor
raced on outer, pulled hard and always towards rear
led after 1f, set steady pace, quickened over 2f out, soon clear
slowly into stride, held up in rear, not much room on rails from 3f out, switched left and headway over 1f out, kept on
A chance is taken that Crystal Star can bounce back to form and lift this prestigious prize while Tantina, Gonfilia and Nasij appear as the main dangers. Sir Michael Stoute's filly showed smart form when winning both starts as a juvenile and confirmed the impression when chasing home Tante Rose in the Fred Darling Stakes on her seasonal return when both Rag Top and Presto Vento finished behind. The daughter of Mark Of Esteem was never able to land a blow after missing the break on her only subsequent start in the French 1,000 Guineas and the run is probably best forgotten. This represents a significant ease in grade and, with proven form on soft ground, she looks set for a big run under Kieren Fallon. Tantina is the least exposed and looks a most progressive type having won both starts in good style but this is much tougher and she looks worth opposing at likely short odds. Gonfilia would have claims on her juvenile form but hasn't been seen since flopping in the 1,000 Guineas while recent Newmarket handicap winner Devant has plenty to find at this level. Nasij has shown smart form in Pattern company since landing a Kempton Listed race on her comeback in April but may prove vulnerable in conceding 3lb to Crystal Star, who looks capable of further improvement.
