led early, pressed leader, led again over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, strongly pressed close home, all out
held up tracking leading pair, switched right 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, strong challenge close home, just failed
soon slight lead, ridden edged left and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd 1f out, soon beaten, eased final 100 yards
DESERT ACE had Saakhen back in fourth when winning at Nottingham last week. He beat the progressive Naivasha a shade cosily and can shrug off the 6lb extra and go in again. A winner in soft ground at Goodwood, Groundworker gets help from the saddle with a 7lb claimer taking over the reins having finished runner-up at Newmarket last time while Amahoro continues to run well without being quite good enough off her current mark.
Desert Ace (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, ran on to lead inside final furlong, driven out, won at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Naivasha (8-13) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Amahoro 13-2 (9-2) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway on wide outside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, took 3rd final strides, 3rd of 8, 4l behind High On Life (8-12) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Saakhen (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) In touch, effort on outside over 1f out, stayed on well, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Desert Ace (9-2) at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Groundworker (IRE) 7-2fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind War Spirit (9-3) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
