tracked leaders in rear, ridden and switched left over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
made all, ridden over 1f out, driven out
tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, kept on towards finish
Again a small field and preference is for Russet Reward ahead of Peninsular War. The selection showed up well for a long way last time out on similar ground to todays. Whilst the fact that he hung to his left may suggest that he wasn't in love with the underfoot conditions, his trainer would not race him on unsuitable ground and he can put these rivals to the sword from a early stage. Peninsular War is an obvious danger, but he shapes as if he wants six furlongs and this small field may not play to his strengths. Metroland has had two runs to date and has shown glimpses of ability, however she needs to bounce back from a woeful second run; she may need a longer trip to be seen at her best. Petit Piton completes the field but doesn't really make much appeal from a breeding viewpoint, and so it is Russet Reward who can pip the field.
Peninsular War 11-4 (9-3) Prominent, led approaching 2f out, ridden and headed approaching 1f out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Spin Cycle (9-3) at Hamilton 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Russet Reward 9-1 (8-10) Led, pushed along when edged left halfway, hung badly left when headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Master Noverre (8-11) at Doncaster 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gf.
Metroland 7-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 14l behind Spin Cycle (9-3) at Hamilton 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Petit Piton (IRE) Iron Mask filly out of a moderate racemare.
