tracked leaders, drifted left over 3f out, led well over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened
dwelt badly start, always behind
tracked leader, headway 3f out, soon every chance, ridden over 1f out, kept on
held up, headway 3f out, driven to lead over 1f out, easily
chased leaders until driven and outpaced halfway, soon behind
held up and behind, outpaced final 3f
led, headed well over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened approaching final furlong
held up, headway and badly hampered over 3f out, switched right over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well towards finish
The most prestigious race of the day, and a competitive one to boot. Last year's winner Dandoun is John Dunlop's only entry at the meeting, which could suggest the yard's horses are not that forward this year. His season was cut short last year after an impressive win here, and it may just be worth opposing him here, although if he could return to that form he would clearly be the one to beat. Smirk progressed really well last year, finishing with a listed success at Newmarket. he has gone well first time out in the past, and has to be feared. However, we will just side with Richard Hannon's Reel Buddy. He was also very progressive last year, and although his winning form is over six and seven furlongs, he has been placed at group class over this trip before, so look more than capable of running up to his best here. He won first time out last season, beating the subsequent July Cup winner Continent, and is strongly fancied to start 2003 in similar vein.