lead, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, switched left to challenge over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, driven to lead over 1f out, ran on well
held up, in touch, driven to maintain position after 1f, soon squeezed out and towards rear headway on outside from 2f out, chased winner approaching final furlong, no extra, close home
prominant, lead 2f out, soon headed, kept on same pace final furlong
keen hold, tracking leaders, weakened well over 1f out
Kotsi gets the nod here ahead of Proviso, Saoirse Abu and Listen. A winner at Newmarket on debut, the selection then improved considerably to fill second place in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. Whilst her stable doesn't carry the same weight of ammunition as some of the bigger stables, Ed Vaughan (who trains out of Henry Cecil's Warren Place stable) has convinced connections to stump up the ¿20,000 needed to supplement Kotsi for this race and will be hoping to reward their faith. Any ground seems to suit and likely to be suited by this galloping track, she gets our vote. Saoirse Abu and Listen race off the same terms as when the former prevailed last time, and if a first-time visor works then there appears no real reason for a reversal, although Listen shapes as if she will be more suited by this mile trip. Proviso warrants total respect given her trainer's record when travelling over from France and unbeaten in her two starts, including a Group three, she should go well with the step up in trip expected to suit. It's a tough race for Wadlia to make her debut in, so whilst Joffe's Run and Sugar Mint could both step upon their recent efforts, it is Kotsi who receives our nomination.
Kay Es Jay (FR) 16-1 (9-7) Chased leaders stands side, pushed along halfway, driven and hung right over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 19, 3l behind Royal Confidence (8-2) at Doncaster 6f 2yo hcp (2) gf.
Kotsi (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Held up behind, ridden over 2f out, soon headway, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Spacious (8-12) at Doncaster 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf.
Listen (IRE) 4-5fav (8-12) Held up, 7th halfway, switched left 2f out, 3rd over 1f out, 2nd and kept on well inside final furlong without threatening winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Saoirse Abu (8-12) at Curragh 7f 2yo fll Grp 1 gd.
Proviso (8-9) Held up, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on strongly, won at Deauville 7f Grp 3 (1) gd in Aug beating Laureldean Gale (8-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Saoirse Abu (USA) 13-2 (8-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, improved into 2nd after halfway, ridden to challenge 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well close home, comfortably, won at Curragh 7f 2yo fll Grp 1 gd beating Listen (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Sugar Mint (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong, 4th of 12, 2l behind Spacious (8-12) at Doncaster 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf.
Wadlia (USA) Lemon Drop Kid filly out of 6f-1m4f winner Brusque.
Joffe's Run (USA) 5-1 (9-0) Made all, ridden and quickened 3f out, driven clear final furlong, gamely, won at Salisbury 7f 2yo mdn fll (2) gf beating Shamayel (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 18 ran.
