always behind, never dangerous
held up in touch, ridden to lead well over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong
prominent, ridden and every chance over 2f out, faded approaching final furlong
prominent, effort over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led 3f out, headed and weakened well over 1f out
towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong
close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, no chance with winner
An interesting opener with a number of promising types for next year on view including Miguel Cervantes. The son of Danzig had his limitations exposed in the Middle Park but came back to form in Listed company in his native Ireland earlier this month. However, Aidan O'Brien's colt has yet to prove he handles conditions this soft and looks worth opposing at the likely cramped odds. Bandit Queen is on to the hat-trick and is clearly a most progressive filly but takes a sharp rise in class here while Polar Force is exposed and may be vulnerable at this level. Steelaninch deserves plenty of praise after lugging top weight to a Newmarket nursery win last time but the TEAMtalk vote goes to Fiddlers Reach. Brian Meehan's colt followed up a Bath maiden win with a highly impressive display in a soft-ground conditions event at Yarmouth and should give another good account under Pat Eddery.