chased leaders on inside, switched out and effort 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, pushed along on outside 3f out, soon beaten
dwelt, soon led at steady pace, narrowly headed 5f out, led again 3f out, headed over 1f out, chased winner until lost 2nd final strides
keen hold early, tracked leaders, effort 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong, ran on well
held up, headway on outside 2f out, chased leading pair approaching final furlong, flashed tail and edged left under pressure inside final furlong but ran on to take 2nd final strides
soon tracked leader, slight lead 5f out to 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leader to over 5f out, stayed close up, driven and weakened inside final 2f
pulled hard, held up in rear, effort on outside and driven 2f out, no impression over 1f out
Although Godolphin have yet to make an impact on the scene this term, it is hoped that Astronomia will be forward enough to do herself justice, and she is the pick ahead of Salamanca and Indian Steppes. Astronomia was highly tried down under, contesting two Group 1's and a Group 2, acquitting herself well on each occasion. However, her only success to date came in a handicap, and that might just be as good as she turns out. With that in mind, the boys in blue will surely leave no stone unturned to justify buying her and bringing her halfway round the world, so she is sure to have been well prepared for a crack at this decent prize. The opposition does not appear that daunting, with perhaps Salamanca the main danger. Winner of a big sales race as a juvenile, she has performed quite well this term without looking a world-beater, and may make the frame at least. Indian Steppes is not badly treated but her stamina will be tested on this ground as she has yet to win over a mile. Maria Luisa will act on the ground and any money for the Irish raider should be noted, but we return to Astronomia as the answer.
Astronomia (NZ) 3-1 (8-10) Disputed lead, faded final furlong, 4th of 14, 6l behind Serenade Rose (8-10) at Flemington 1m 4f fll stks Grp 1 gd in Nov.
Salamanca 4-1 (9-7) Held up last pair, driven and stayed on on outside form over 1f out, took 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Nantyglo (8-5) at Goodwood 1m lst fll stk (1) gd.
Love Thirty 14-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 7, 5l behind Nantyglo (8-5) at Goodwood 1m lst fll stk (1) gd.
Tanzanite (IRE) 14-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 17, 3 1/2l behind Star of Light (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gd.
Indian Steppes (FR) 25-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, ridden and not clear run from over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 1l behind Fajr (8-6) at Newmarket 1m hcap (3) gd.
Kelucia (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Held up in rear, switched left and some headway over 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 14, 4l behind Hail The Chief (9-8) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Apr.
River of Babylon 25-1 (9-1) Held up near side, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, not reach leaders, 6th of 18, 2 1/2l behind Minority Report (9-1) at Newbury 7f hcp 0-95 (4) gf in Oct.
Maria Luisa (IRE) 9-1 (9-9) Prominent, 4th halfway, 5th 2f out, kept on under pressure, 6th of 20, 3 1/2l behind Mooretown Boy (9-9) at Leopardstown 1m hcp 0-80 gs.
Toffee Vodka (IRE) 14-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 18, 8l behind Greenwood (10-1) at Lingfield 7f ldy rds hcp (5) gd.
Squaw Dance 8-1 (8-6) Led, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 2l behind Asawer (8-6) at Yarmouth 1m 2f lst fll stk (1) gf in Sept.
