chased leaders, effort and ridden 2f out, one pace over 1f out, no impression final furlong
tracked winner, pushed along halfway, driven and not quicken over 1f out, no impression and lost 2nd well inside final furlong
soon well outpaced in rear, tailed off
behind, ridden and outpaced halfway
in touch, ridden and outpaced halfway, no extra final 2f
chased leaders in inner, stayed on under pressure to chase winner well inside final furlong, no impression near finish
Proud Native has been disappointing so far this season but has his ideal conditions today and gets the vote over Endless Summer and Willhewiz. The last mentioned ran below par last time but has claims on his best and is well drawn towards the far side rail, although that may not be too significant in a field of this size. A bigger threat though looks to come from Karl Burke's Endless Summer, whose trainer does well with his runners in this grade and for who Richard Hughes has been booked. Paul Howling's Bells Beach comes here in better heart than most having resumed winning ways last time. However, this looks a tougher assignment for the six-year-old, who is again the mount of Kieren Fallon. Neither Ridicule nor Ela Figura have given much sign of encouragement this term and preference is for Proud Native. The David Nicholls-trained gelding is well treated at the weights, hails from a stable in form and should be suited by the return to a stiff five furlongs. He gets the vote.
