tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong
soon led, headed over 3f out, drifted right into rail under pressure over 2f out, no extra final furlong
chased leaders, led over 1f out, driven clear, readily
A strangely small and low-key turnout for this traditional St Leger trial and it's hard to imagine any of the trio turning up at Town Moor. Cypress Creek is the only one with an engagement in the final classic and could conceivably be part of the Aidan O'Brien team on duty and he's progressed steadily throughout this season. However, MAID UP receives the 3lb sex allowance, stays this trip well and only went down by a short head in a Group 2 at the Qatar Festival meeting. Ben Vrackie cannot be ignored having hacked up in a modest Lingfield maiden by 11l. He could be anything and it's interesting to see his master trainer go straight from maiden to Group 3 company.
Ben Vrackie 4-9fav (9-1) Close up, tracked leader 7f out, led 2f out, soon clear, comfortable, won at Lingfield 1m 4f stks (5) pol in Jul beating Astromachia (9-1) by 11l, 15 ran.
Cypress Creek (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Soon led, 2 lengths clear halfway, reduced advantage over 3f out, headed under 2f out, ridden over 1f out, short of room and hampered final 100 yards, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Cimeara (9-3) at Leopardstown 1m 6f lst stks (1) gf in Jul.
Maid Up 16-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear, good headway on outside over 2f out, went 2nd 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, strongly pressed and hung right inside final furlong, carried left and headed on line, 2nd of 12, shd behind Pilaster (8-9) at Goodwood 1m 6f Grp 2 fll stks (1) gd in Aug.
