chased leaders, not much room and stumbled over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened and hung left over 1f out
close up, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, ran on well inside final furlong to lead post
led 2f, prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, led after 2f, ridden clear well over 1f out, headed post
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
This looks quite a hot little contest for a Class F Auction Stakes, but Imperialistic, who would have more to do in a handicap, is taken to see off the likes of Straw Bear and Ermine Grey. The selection is sure to have learnt from the experience gained here last month (her first taste of the surface), and as she is a half-sister to a couple of stayers, she can be expected to find further improvement for this step up in trip. Straw Bear was a costly failure when last seen at Beverley, back in June and his absence since suggest's he may have had a problem. If stripping fit after his lay off, he will be a big threat. Ermine Grey found improvement for both the step up in trip and the first-time visor at Southwell earlier in the week, but he will need to find more in this company, under his penalty. Miss Ladybird is clearly going the right way and this step up in trip can only be beneficial, but Imperialistic has the best form on offer and should make no mistake.
