tracked winner, chased winner over 3f out, faded approaching final furlong
dwelt, soon chased along, headway on outside 2f out, took 2nd close home, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden approaching 1f out, ran on clear approaching final furlong, comfortable
The shortlist here consists of Bahamian Magic, Countdown, Sign Writer and Sumora, with our vote going to the first-named. A 65,000 guineas purchase, the David Loder-trained Bahamian Magic showed plenty of promise on his York debut and normal improvement alone on that effort should see him competitive here. Sir Mark Prescott has his stable in very good form now and, even though Countdown was last of three on his Hamilton debut, the winner is considered by connections to be very useful and he too has to be given a chance today. Sign Writer stepped up on his debut effort to finish a staying-on second at Newmarket last time, and a repeat of that effort puts him firmly in the picture too. Gerard Butler has his string in much better form now also, and Sumora, a 75,000 guineas purchase by Danehill from the same family as Dr Devious and Archway, also warrants the utmost respect. Overall, then, in a race where the betting might provide some important clues to this race's outcome, we will side with Bahamian Magic.
