held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader, smooth headway to lead 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well
always behind
in touch, lost place 4f out, soon behind
led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
mid-division, driven and lost place 4f out, ridden and headway 2f out, rallied to go 2nd inside final furlong, not reach winner
raced keenly in touch, lost place over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
Michaels Pride has been consistent enough and should have the edge over the likes of Bottomless Wallet, Mercari and Gallery Breeze to name but three. Michaels Pride encountered bad luck in running when a close third behind Good Investment at Ripon just four days ago, and was not done any favours by the moderate pace. Mark Johnston's filly is better judged on her winning effort at Redcar eight days ago when she showed a good turn of foot to win going away after being outpaced early on. She carries a six-pound penalty here, but with her a ability to handle cut in the ground not in question, she has more chance than most. Bottomless Wallet stayed on nicely to finish third in a Ripon maiden last time and will improve for that first outing of the current campaign. Mercari was eased when beaten at Hamilton last time but is better than that run indicates, and this course winner gets weight all round, so cannot be left out entirely. Gallery Breeze was just tapped for toe close home at Bath 10 days ago and is worth a second look over this slightly longer trip, but Michaels Pride sets the standard, so is the pick.
Lauro 9-1 (9-3) Behind, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, one pace final furlong, 6th of 15, 7l behind Strong Hand (9-3) at Haydock 1m 3f hcp (5) gf in May.
Millagros (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden, switched right over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 5th of 9, 4l behind Dispol Veleta (9-1) at Hamilton 1m fll hcp (4) gs in May.
Gallery Breeze 33-1 (9-9) Always prominent, led well over 1f out, ridden 1f out, headed near line, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind Wind Chime (9-4) at Bath 1m hcp (5) gf.
Bottomless Wallet 50-1 (9-2) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Miss Particular (8-5) at Ripon 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft in May.
Lyford Lass 66-1 (8-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 12l behind Mezuzah (9-7) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (5) gs.
Michaels Pride (IRE) 5-4fav (8-4) Towards rear, ridden, headway over 2f out, soon not much when switched left, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Good Investment (7-13) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo app hcp (5) gf.
Mercari 20-1 (8-3) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened from over 2f out, eased final furlong, 10th of 11, 36l behind Mezuzah (9-7) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (5) gs.
Dispol Foxtrot 14-1 (9-11) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 12th of 15, 10l behind Qualitair Wings (9-7) at Hamilton 1m hcp (5) gd in May.