chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
towards rear, weakened over 2f out
chased leader, pushed along, lost place 3f out
soon led, made rest, stayed on well final furlong, driven out
led early, raced keen, chased winner until no extra inside final furlong
Division Two of the maiden looks even harder to call and while the standard setting Count Bertoni is respected we opt to give our vote to UNSHAKABLE WILL, who improved from first run to second last time with debutant Thistlestar also making the list given a filly's allowance. The Bryan Smart-trained selection certainly looked in need of his debut run and that theory was proved when he only found just one to good when staying on well last time. He doesn't have too much to find on Count Bertoni based on that run and the conditions also look more of a help than a hindrance. Count Bertoni has lost his way a bit since his promising debut in a poor maiden but he may be seen in a better light now returning to racing on a surface with some give in it. Thistlestar will be under a lighter burden than all of her rivals and is bred for success at this trip as a youngster, however the conditions are not obviously in her favour. Golden Emperor is another interesting contender after showing progress in two runs so far but Unshakable Will looks to have most in his favour.
Count Bertoni (IRE) 15-8fav (9-3) Held up, effort when not clear run 3f out, switched right over 2f out, soon looking uncomfortable, beaten, 5th of 7, 14l behind Tukitinyasok (8-12) at Ayr 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Jul.
Dies Solis Exceed And Excel colt out of Rose Of America.
Huntingfortreasure Pastoral Pursuits gelding out of Treasure Trove.
Musical Delight 33-1 (9-3) Chased leaders 4f, last of 8, 19l behind Avongate (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Aug.
Original Dancer (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Dwelt and ran green towards rear, soon outpaced, 8th of 10, 16l behind No Hubris (9-3) at York 6f 2yo mdn (3) gd in May.
Tres Amigos Exceed And Excel gelding out of Canterloupe.
Unshakable Will (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on gamely inside final furlong to go 2nd near finish, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Cono Zur (9-3) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug.
Thistlestar (USA) Lion Heart filly out of Katiba.
Golden Emperor (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, driven over 2f out, kept on under pressure to go 3rd well inside final furlong, no impression with leading pair, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Raleigh Quay (8-10) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) gs in Aug.
Regal Emperor (IRE) Antonius Pius colt out of Bali Breeze.
