tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, one pace final 2f, lost 3rd well inside final furlong
made all, led, ridden clear from well over 1f out, driven out, unchallenged
towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd well inside final furlong
in touch, went 2nd over 2f out, chased winner final 2f, no chance
started very slowly, well in rear, some headway wide over 3f out, not reach leaders, one pace final 2f
steadied start, behind, never on terms, no chance when eased over 1f out, tailed off
tracked winner to over 2f out, soon weakened, well behind over 1f out
Although only a seller, African Pursuits won with plenty in hand last time and can follow up back in this ordinary handicap, while Hester Brook and Shenandoah Girl are potential dangers. African Pursuits scored by an eased-down four lengths and more last time out over 10f here. Fast ground suits, the step up in trip is an unknown, but the application of first-time blinkers could be the key decision from Jamie Poulton, whose gelding is taken to go in again. Shenandoah Girl has already earned two wins over this trip in minor contests, and she certainly has the required stamina. However, she was badly out of sorts at Ripon last week and she has never raced on ground this quick so there is a bit to prove. Hester Brook is a maiden after 14 starts and was beaten by the selection here last time. She too has to prove she stays, and she does not look quite good enough to reverse the placings. Makai ran well enough in context at Lingfield last time to suggest that he can get involved on ground that suits, and Foreign King enjoys hearing his hooves rattle so can also be thereabouts, but preference is for African Pursuits.
African Pursuits (USA) 4-5fav (9-1) Always prominent, pushed along from 4f out, driven to lead inside final 2f, clear final furlong, eased near finish, won at Brighton 1m 2f sll (6) frm beating Hester Brook (8-13) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Foreign King (USA) 16-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden and close up 2f out, kept on, 4th of 14, 5l behind Rainbow Dash (9-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Shenandoah Girl 15-2 (10-0) Dwelt, held up in touch, weakened 2f out, 8th of 11, 26l behind Master Nimbus (9-5) at Ripon 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (6) sft.
Hester Brook (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Slowly away, behind, switched right over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd inside final furlong, never any chance with eased down winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind African Pursuits (9-1) at Brighton 1m 2f sll (6) frm.
Makai 16-1 (7-13) Behind, headway 3f out, chased leaders on outer 2f out, not pace to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Camera Shy (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (6) pol.
Bothar Brugha (IRE) 50-1 (9-4) Keen in touch, slipped on bend over 5f out, ran wide, led over 4f out, headed 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 7l behind One Night In Paris (9-0) at Leicester 1m 2f sll (6) gf in May.
Our Glenard 33-1 (8-0) Steadied start, always in rear group, never a factor, 12th of 14, 26l behind Camera Shy (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (6) pol.
Drombeg Pride (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Ridden and struggling 4f out, always behind, 9th of 10, 11l behind Shenandoah Girl (9-7) at Folkestone 1m 4f stk 0-55 (6) gs.