close up, ridden and edged right 2f out, soon chased leading pair, hung left 1f out, stayed on under pressure
tracked leaders, chased winner 6f out to over 2f out, soon bumped and weakened
slowly into stride, held up, hampered over 2f out, staying on one pace when hampered and snatched up 1f out
always rear, slightly hampered 6f out, pushed along and struggling halfway
dwelt, soon close up, ridden on inner 2f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out
tracked winner to o 6f out, stayed prominent, bumped and chased winner again 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
tracked leaders, badly hampered and squeezed out 2f out, renewed effort over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
made all, ridden and in command final 2f, stayed on strongly
dwelt, held up, effort on wide outside 2f out, one pace, no impression
A high-class field of fillies, as usual, have been drawn together for this Group 1 prize; with Playful Act getting the nod over Echelon and Joint Aspiration, who both arrive here defending their unbeaten status and are very much respected. Others to note include: the Aidan O'Brien-trained Mona Lisa, who was well touted before her debut failed to sparkle on the track. She did put in an improved display when just getting run out of things at Leopardstown and will a fair bit wiser this time around. The Godolphin boys will no doubt have their eyes on Prestige Stakes winner Dubai Surprise, who has already proved her versatility by winning on very different ground in both her last two starts. The presence of Frankie Dettori in the saddle virtually assures that any value available about her in the betting ring will not last long and she has to be a serious consideration today. She will also be worth following if her intended trip to France materializes after this. Echelon represents last year's winning jockey and trainer partnership and it could be perilous to ignore her claims. As a half-sister to Chic, she is expected to have no trouble with the trip and it will take a really good one to get past her. The same comments apply to Joint Aspiration, who has seen off her opponents with ease in both her previous starts and she is well worth a try at this level. However, so too is Playful Act, who showed grim determination when winning the May Hill at the start of this month. This stiff finish will help to bring her abundant stamina into play and, if she is in the same determined frame of mind that we have come to expect from her, Playful Act can surprise a few again today.
