chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
outpaced in rear, hung left on bend over 3f out, soon ridden, no impression until ran on well final furlong
led for 1f, chased winner, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
led after 1f, quickened clear 1f out, impressive
held up, keen, never a factor
held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in touch, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on but no chance with winner
A strong line-up for this Group two event, where Solent, Satchem and Stagbury Hill are three to catch the eye, however we will plump for impressive Ayr winner Shamardal. Mark Johnston thinks the world of this son of Giant's Causeway who was well touted before his debut run. He duly gave his supporters nothing to worry about, storming clear of rivals to record an eight length victory. That wasn't the strongest of races and so he is stepping up markedly in class, but we believe he will be up to the task. Solent was also quite impressive on his debut, he gave his rivals a start after cutting across from a bad draw at Newmarket, but still managed to beat some promising types by a comfortable margin. Satchem comes her after landing a Newmarket nursery under nine stone seven. The time was slightly faster than the Group three race earlier in the afternoon so David Loder's charge must have strong claims. Stagbury Hill, a dead-heater at Newmarket last time, should improve for that effort and is a danger to all, but Shamardal oozed class on his debut and looks set to follow up.
