JOSHUA REYNOLDS (NAP) returned a clear winner stepped up to 1m5f at Newmarket for his handicap debut. John Gosden’s colt is expected to improve further today and defy an 8lb rise. Key Bid and Dark Pearl won their maidens over 1m4f at Thirsk and Chepstow respectively and both are less exposed than last month’s course and distance runner-up Duke's Girl. Tor was due to run at Hamilton yesterday while both Cray and Legato look up against it.
Key Bid 6-4 (8-11) Tracked leaders, 2nd 10f out, led 3f out, ridden and strongly pressed from over 1f out, stayed on gamely to assert final 100 yards, won at Thirsk 1m 4f mdn stks (5) sft in May beating Steaming (8-11) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Dark Pearl (IRE) 1-2fav (8-13) Made all, set steady pace, in command over 1f out, soon clear, eased close home, unchallenged, won at Chepstow 1m 4f mdn stks (5) gf in Jun beating Assiduous (8-13) by 5l, 4 ran.
Cray (IRE) 28-1 (8-3) Raced keenly, held up mid-division on inside, ridden over 2f out, one pace when switched outside over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Zenon (9-2) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Legato (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Pushed along to track leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, 8th of 12, 12 3/4l behind Amelia Dream (9-6) at Leicester 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Joshua Reynolds 9-2 (9-4) Tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on, won at Newmarket 1m 5f hcp (4) gs in Jun beating Maori Bob (8-6) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Tor 11-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, chased winner, kept on one pace final furlong, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Cape Coast (9-7) at Ripon 1m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Duke's Girl 9-2 (8-7) Led, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Ottonian (9-7) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (4) gs in Jun.
