in touch far side group, led over 4f out, ridden 2f out, kept on to lead that group, no chance with winner
in touch stands' side group, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
led stands' side group, headed over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
led far side group, headed over 4f out, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
chased leaders stands' side, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
towards rear, never dangerous stands' side group
prominent stands' side, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
steadied at start, held up behind leaders stands' side, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out to lead entering final furlong, kept on
chased leaders to halfway far side group
chased leaders stands' side, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous far side group
close up stands' side, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
mid-division stands' side, driven along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
held up stands' side, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on towards finish
never better than mid-divison far side group
mid-divison far side, effort over 2f out, soon behind
chased leaders to halfway far side group, ridden and no impression final furlong
chased leaders far side, ridden 2f out, soon behind
in touch stands' side, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, one pace inside
This is a wide open handicap to open the St Leger meeting but we will side with the well-drawn Godolphin representative Swan Nebula to get her head in front, with Bibury Flyer, Dance Flower and Strawberry Dale put forward as the main dangers. The selection won well last time when defeating County Clare, and although she has had her problems she is still open to plenty of improvement and from a favourable draw she looks the one to beat. Bibury Flyer is respected here as this filly from the Mick Channon yard has been improving all season and is well boxed in stall 21. However, she is probably better over 5 furlongs and for that reason we will take her on. Dance Flower finished behind Swan Nebula last time and has a handy pull in the weights with that rival here so could be interesting, especially as the stable is now in decent form. Strawberry Dale would have solid claims on the pick of her form but she has it all to do from stall 4 and for that reason she is passed over on this occasion. Of the remainder, Lamh Eile was a close third in the Shergar Cup at Ascot last time and is still improving so is certainly worth considering from a decent draw. The booking of Nicky Mackay is another plus as he has already won on her twice this season. This is a fascinating opener and many can be given chances on the pick of their form, but Swan Nebula has plenty in her favour and looks the one they all have to beat.
