tracked leaders, effort over 2f out and every chance, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
led at steady pace for 2f, tracked leader afterwards, effort over 2f out, stayed on same pace under pressure inside final furlong
held up last, in touch, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, all out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
led after 2f, hard pressed 2f out, stayed on well until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
Ijtihad has been expensive to follow having found one too good in each of his last five starts but looks to have solid claims of gaining an overdue first success here with the main opposition likely to come from Efrhina and Dancing Nugget. The selection has 19lbs in hand over Dancing Nugget on official ratings and should have little to fear from the John Hills-trained filly. Neither Bar Of Silver nor Didoe make much appeal so the biggest threat is likely to come from Efrhina. Alex Stewart's filly showed improved form when upped to a mile at Sandown last time and should improve again for the longer trip today. However, her form is still some way below that of Ijtihad, who is consistent if nothing else.
