made all, keen, ridden over 1f out, stayed on strongly
tracked leader, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, driven to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, progress to chase winner over 1f out, kept on well
Splash Around came up short when sent off favourite at Sandown a fortnight ago and ALABASTER is preferred. Sir Mark Prescott’s charge was narrowly beaten in a higher grade contest at Musselburgh last time and first-time headgear could see him go one better in this and confirm superiority with both Cray and The Blues Master in the process.
Alabaster 4-1 (8-13) Led 3f, tracked leaders over 8f out, tracked winner over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, driven and every chance inside final final furlong, just held, 2nd of 9, hd behind Time To Study (9-7) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Splash Around 6-5fav (9-2) Bumped slightly start, held up in 4th, pushed along over 3f out, hanging right over 2f out, effort over 1f out, 2nd inside final furlong, not quite able to challenge winner and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Jukebox Jive (9-6) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
The Blues Master (IRE) 11-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on to take 3rd place inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Ottonian (9-7) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (4) gs in Jun.
Cray (IRE) 18-1 (8-6) Took keen hold headway to lead after 3f, steadied pace 8f out, hung badly left bend over 3f out and headed, rallied over 1f out, faded final furlong, 6th of 9, 3 3/4l behind Time To Study (9-7) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp (2) gf in Jun.