steadied start, held up in 4th place, pushed along over 3f out, ridden dropped to last and beaten over 2f out
made all, steadied pace halfway, quickened on 3f out, ridden over 1f out, battled on gamely to assert inside final furlong
held up last, went moderate 4th on inside over 2f out, never involved
tracked leading pair on rail, pushed along 3f out, angled out over 2f out, ridden and unable to quicken inside final 2f, plugged on in 3rd
tracked winner, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on same pace and held inside final furlong
The ultra-tough SIR RON PRIESTLEY can take the step up in class in his stride. Mark Johnston’s course winner won over this trip at Haydock on his penultimate start and never knows when he’s beaten. The filly Manuela De Vega also holds a St Leger entry and is much respected having finished in the Lily Langtry over track and trip last time. She’d earlier run well in both the Epsom Oaks and the Irish Oaks at the Curragh. Promissory is the other holding a Leger entry but he’s only won a Doncaster maiden so far. Dal Horrisgle was staying on in the Gordon Stakes here last time so has claims but Blue Gardenia appears to have plenty on his plate.
Dal Horrisgle 8-1 (9-1) Close up, lost place halfway, pushed along and in rear 3f out, soon switched wide, rallied inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Nayef Road (9-1) at Goodwood 1m 4f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Aug.
Sir Ron Priestley 6-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, stayed on gamely towards finish, driven out, won at Goodwood 1m 4f hcp (2) gd in Jul beating Durston (8-8) by nk, 13 ran.
Blue Gardenia (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) In rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 3 3/4l behind Love So Deep (8-9) at Newmarket 1m 4f lst fll stks (1) gf in Aug.
Manuela De Vega (IRE) 7-2cfav (8-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced over 2f out, rallied into 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Enbihaar (9-9) at Goodwood 1m 6f Grp 2 fll stks (1) gf in Aug.
Promissory (IRE) 1-3fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, clear over 1f out, in no danger after, very easily, won at Doncaster 1m 4f stks (4) gf in Jul beating December Second (9-12) by 5l, 8 ran.