held up in touch, ridden well over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner
tracked leader, led inside 2f out, pushed clear, comfortably
led, ridden, headed inside 2f out, kept on same pace
Esplanade may open her account over Duescals, in what looks a two-horse race on paper. Esplanade held an entry in the Yorkshire Oaks but has not lived up to expectations just yet. However, she shaped well on her second start at Nottingham after a two-month absence, and then went off much too fast when folding tamely at Windsor next time. A little more restraint is needed, but she definitely has the ability to win this at least. Her main rival Duescals had just the one outing as a juvenile and made a belated reappearance a fortnight ago, chasing home the favourite Chatifa. She should come on for the run but might just need another outing to put her spot on. Nuzzle has had too many chances, but ran her best race when enterprisingly ridden by Martin Dwyer over the course and distance last time. She ended up being passed by Crozon, a John Gosden inmate, so connections of Duescal will know where they stand in relation to her chance. They both have it to do though if Esplanade reveals her undoubted ability, and it is Sir Michael Stoute's filly who is the one to beat.
