Verdict

David Barron thinks PEARL SECRET may be capable of winning a Group race and there's no doubt that the unbeaten colt is still on an upward curve. He showed a fine turn of foot to complete his hat-trick at York last month, when Vocational was well beaten, and can take the step up to Listed grade in his stride. Ballesteros disappointed behind Free Zone at Beverley after winning here and at Chester and may struggle to reverse that form on only 2lb better terms but Chunky Diamond will have benefited from his run at Haydock and could make his presence felt, though he finished behind the returning Rex Imperator in the Cornwallis at Ascot in the autumn.

Formwatch

Ballesteros 1-2fav (9-1) Stumbled start, behind, went 3rd and effort over 1f out, ridden and not quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Free Zone (8-12) at Beverley 5f con stks (4) gf.

Bayleyf (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 17l behind Swiss Spirit (9-0) at Newbury 6f Listed stks 3yo (1) gs in May.

Chunky Diamond (IRE) 10-1 (8-10) Dwelt, in rear, effort over 1f out, never dangerous, last of 7, 8l behind Excelette (8-5) at Haydock 5f Listed stks 3yo (1) gf.

Free Zone 4-1 (8-12) Made most, hard pressed and ridden entering final furlong, stayed on well final 110 yards, won at Beverley 5f con stks (4) gf beating Dam Beautiful (8-12) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.

Pearl Secret 5-6fav (9-2) Steadied start, held up, switched left and headway 2f out, quickened to lead 1f out, ran on well, won at York 5f con stks (2) gd in May beating Ponty Acclaim (9-4) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.

Rex Imperator 17-2 (9-0) Fly jumped start, in rear centre, driven and headway inside final 2f, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 16, 3 1/2l behind Ponty Acclaim (8-11) at Ascot 5f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Oct.

Ultrasonic (USA) 14-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never a factor, 8th of 19, 5l behind Red Quartet (8-3) at Newmarket 6f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gs in May.

Vocational (USA) 4-1 (9-6) Tracked leader, led after 2f, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 10l behind Hallelujah (9-3) at Goodwood 6f flls hcp 0-95 (3) gs.