tracked leader in 2nd, travelled well to challenge 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, pushed out to assert 1f out, quickened clear inside final furlong, easily
settled behind leaders in 3rd, pushed along and closer on outer 2f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, under pressure in 2nd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, ridden and pressed 2f out, headed 1 1/2f out, no extra final furlong, dropped to 4th closing stages
dwelt and held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace into 3rd closing stages of final furlong
I CAN FLY has frightened off most of the opposition and for good reason. Aidan O’Brien’s Group 2 winner is well clear at the weights and won’t need to be at her very best on her return having just missed out in the QE11 at Ascot in October last year when beaten only a neck by Roaring Lion. Waitaki and Annie Fior have impossible tasks on these terms though are both guaranteed prize money but Surrounding ended last year with a Listed success over a mile here and could go well.
I Can Fly 11-1 (8-8) Broke slow, no factor, 12th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Expert Eye (8-11) at Churchill Downs 1m gd in Nov.
Surrounding (IRE) 5-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along under 2f out, ridden in 2nd 1f out, headway to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Dundalk 1m lst fll stks (1) pol in Oct beating Could It Be Love (9-0) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Annie Fior (IRE) 3-1 (9-4) Held up mid-division, outpaced over 1f out, kept on and no impression, 4th of 7, 7 1/2l behind Chosen World (9-5) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Waitaki (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Rear of mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden 2f out and under pressure in 4th over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 5l behind Hasselnott (8-7) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Feb.