always towards rear, never dangerous
behind, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, staying on when hung left inside final furlong, eased close home
held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakening when carried left inside final furlong
reared start, chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
started slowly, always behind
held up, hampered after 1f, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
chased leaders, ridden halfway, stayed on towards finish
We'll take chance with Steel Blade in this. Just five pounds higher than for his Newmarket nursery win on good to soft last season, Richard Whittaker's colt has since in Nad Al Sheba and may well have improved for that Middle East experience. The topweight Willhewiz should go well. He is only a pound higher now than when fourth in a very good Newmarket handicap at the end of May and, on a line through Dazzling Bay, is closely weighted with Merlin's Dancer - who comes in good heart in pursuit of his third-straight win - while they should both hold Hey Presto and Circuit Dancer using the same horse as the form benchmark. Magic Myth won a valuable Newmarket nursery from a one-pound lower mark last season and, while she has been slow coming to hand this year, cheekpieces might bring about improvement. Of the others, Barry Hills has been patient with the lightly raced and well-bred Yafoul, while Bollin Janet has failed to sparkle so far this year but the step up to six furlongs might help. However, in another competitive event, we'll take a chance on Steel Blade.