led for 2f, stayed close up, under pressure 2f out, soon beaten
close up, joined leader 2f out, every chance over 1f out, slightly hampered inside final furlong, kept on
with leader, led after 2f, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra final 100 yards
tracked leaders, outpaced 2f out, kept on again under pressure inside final furlong, never nearer
Although it's a close-run thing, Captain Saif comes out best on the ratings and gets our vote here. Having looked useful in winning his first three races as a juvenile, and although he has not recaptured that impression, he should be very competitive at this level, although it is slightly curious that he will be racing over six furlongs fro the first time in his life. He is a course winner over seven. Free Wheelin's only decent run since last season came on heavy at Haydock. This should be a more-appropriate level for him but he has something to prove now. Marker is another to have found things harder since winning on his debut as a two-year-old. His trainer reckons that his handicap mark is about right - if not marginally high - so factor that in to your views. Ambonnay is another on which the jury is out after winning on her juvenile debut, Dusty Dazzler has been quite highly tried in the context of this race and it would be no surprise to see her go well over a trip that she is, as yet, not fully proven. All-weather winner Gaelic Princess ran well behind Lochridge at Ascot last time, so at least comes here in good heart. Overall, though, the Captain Saif might be the one over this shorter trip.
