mid-division, lost place approaching 3f out
tracked leaders, driven over 3 weakened over 2f out
mid-division, effort over 1f out to chase leaders, one pace soon after
towards rear, steady headway 3f out, ridden over 2, kept on to take 2nd near finish
tracked leaders, shaken up to lead 1f out, quickened up well
towards rear, switched left over 1f out, ran on strongly
tracked leader, led after 2 furlongs, ridden when headed 1f out, no further impression
slowly into stride, keen hold in rear, soon in mid-division, weakened over final furlong
in-touch, effort and headway over 1f out to chase leaders, soon one pace
slowly into stride, in rear and keen, headway 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
led for 2f, stayed prominent until ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out
Not the easiest race to assess but as Quantum Leap makes more appeal at the likely prices than the penalised A Woman In Love, the Simon Dow-trained gelding is given the preferential nod. Climate, And Toto Too and King Of Diamonds have also done enough to suggest that they can get competitive at this level and are expected to scrap it out for the position as best of the rest. Climate narrowly comes out on top on that score on this occasion and it will be no surprise to see him in the shake up from his attractive current mark. However, he does have a little to find with both Quantum Leap and A Woman In Love, who both arrive here with solid credentials on the best of their efforts. The latter has embarked on a winning spree of late and will be difficult to overhaul under her modest penalty. Even so she is now on a career highest mark and yet to win a race in this grade from 10 previous attempts. Which directly contrasts Quantum Leap, who has always been at home at this level and has been running much better than his last two form figures would suggest. The drop to this sort of trip has sparked a revival in the Efisio gelding's fortunes and a bold bid is expected from Quantum Leap again here.
