mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
led and soon clear, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, hampered inside final furlong and rallied close home
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon hung left, kept on
held up, ridden over 3f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
There should be plenty of pace on for this feature race at Ayr, which should suit Fruhlingssturm, who is just preferred over Kalaman as he has the more solid profile for selection if this comes down to a grinding battle for the line. Ikhtyar and Gateman will also be very tough customers to deal with - especially the former, who can at least confirm his superiority over Scott's View and Checkit if he runs anywhere near the form from earlier in the season. The first-time visor should also help to sharpen him up and it is difficult to envisage him not at least making the frame if he takes to racing in the headgear. A bold bid should also not be dismissed from Middlemarch either, as he is better than his recent efforts would suggest and already has experience of Group races from his time with Aidan O'Brien. However, it will take all his resolution to hold off the classier individuals when they turn for home and he may have to settle for a minor role once more. Which brings us back to Fruhlingssturm, who showed great determination when overhauling Imtayaz at Epsom 11 days ago. That was a very pleasing effort on only his second appearance on these shores and he clearly still retains plenty of ability. His Group 2 penalty from winning on the continent does make his task a harder one today, but the recent rains have helped his cause and he has plenty in his favour here. Kalaman, whom Kieren Fallon considered very to be unlucky in the Eclipse, has an obvious chance to redress the balance if he stays out of trouble today. However, the recent form shown by some runners from his yard - admittedly from much less talented horses - has been a cause for concern and he does not look to be one to be going overboard about at likely cramped odds. It is also worth bearing in mind that he has continually found one more determined when he has raced in this sort of grade and he is taken on with Fruhlingssturm, who is the only previous winner of a race at this level beyond a mile in the line up.
