mid-division, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra when edged left and right inside final furlong
prominent, chased along over 3f out, soon behind
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner
soon led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
slowly into stride, headway over 6f out, effort over 2f out, no impression
in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, chased along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, pushed along and headway 3f out, stayed on final furlong but was never able to challenge
towards rear, pushed along and some late headway but was never near to challenge
held up, outpaced over 6f out, pulled up and dismounted over 3f out
held up, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
An interesting opener and one in which Smart John might be able to get back to winning ways, with Young Rooney, Dallool, Merrymaker and, possibly, Irish Blade and Trullitti others to consider. Smart John looked progressive when stepped up to this trip here two runs ago when easily accounting for Merrymaker. The latter reopposes on better terms but the selection can get back to winning ways after failing to sparkle over a longer trip from his revised mark last time. Obviously, Merrymaker comes into the argument as does Young Rooney, who does not have too much to find if taking the formline from his seasonal return at Leicester. In fact, he is entitled to improve for that effort and looks set to go well. Dallool and Irish Blade have respectable maiden form, particularly the former, whose fourth behind St Leger-bound Frank Sonata over course and distance in June reads very well, the race having worked out particularly well. He rates a big danger, and John Dunlop's Trullitti is also capable of improvement now that he is stepping up in trip. Smoothie has a chance based on his form of two years ago but, once again, we will side with Smart John to get back to winning ways.