PERSIAN FORCE had Blackbeard two lengths behind when runner-up in the Coventry Stakes and has subsequently won the July Stakes at Newmarket and finished runner-up to the very impressive Little Big Bear in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Blackbeard has since gone on to beat stable companion The Antartctic by three lengths in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly. The latter went one better when beating Manhattan Jungle a length in Group 3 company here but looks held on that earlier effort. The Ridler, only third at Beverley in May after scoring at Ripon, then gained a shock victory in the Norfolk Stakes.
Persian Force (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Tracked leader in 2nd, raced keenly, pushed along and pressed winner 2f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Little Big Bear (9-5) at Curragh 6f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Aug.
The Ridler 50-1 (9-3) Held up in last trio, good headway far side of group 2f out, soon edged right, ridden to challenge when hung badly left and hampered rival inside final furlong, hampered rival final 100 yards, soon led, kept on well, won at Ascot 5f Grp 2 stks (1) gf in Jun beating Walbank (9-3) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
The Antarctic (IRE) 5-4 (8-13) Tracked leaders, headway 2f out, led final furlong, stayed on, won at Deauville 6f Grp 3 gs in Aug beating Manhattan Jungle (8-10) by 1l, 10 ran.
Blackbeard (IRE) (9-3) won at Chantilly 6f Grp 2 gd in Jul beating The Antarctic (9-3) by 3l, 6 ran.
Manhattan Jungle (IRE) (8-10) 2nd of 10, 1l behind The Antarctic (8-13) at Deauville 6f Grp 3 gs in Aug.
