chased leaders, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, ran on
led 3f, chased leader, led again over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on gamely
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, pulled hard, led after 3f, headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out
It is very hard to escape the claims of Bay Story, who is confidently expected to cope with the challenges of Baldassare and Legally Fast, who already look vulnerable to anything with a touch of class. Xaarist is not hard to overlook, while Illuminati makes limited appeal on pedigree and is hard to fancy on his debut. Therefore, this looks to be a straightforward task for Bay Story, whose biggest obstacle may be provided by the ground. The Mark Johnston-trained colt is out of a half-sister to a Canadian champion juvenile and may be suited to a firmer surface in due course. However, as there has been plenty of rain in the Middleham area, it is safe to say that his trainer has already found out plenty about his ability to handle the surface and he is too hard to overlook on the evidence available so far.
Baldassare 6-1 Held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 11, 3l behind Top Gear at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn gf.
Bay Story (USA) 3-1 Led, headed after 2f, tracked leader after, led again over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Shannon Springs at Newmarket 1m 4f 3yo mdn gf.
Illuminati Inchinor gelding, full brother to 7f winner Cruinn A Bhord.
Legally Fast (USA) 66-1 Never in contention, 9th of 13, 9l behind Mayadeen at Bath 1m 2yo mdn (D3) gs in Oct.
Xaarist (IRE) 12-1 Raced keenly and led, headed after 2f, chased leaders until lost place 3f out, soon behind, last of 11, 23l behind Arabian Ana at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn aut (F) gd in Jul.
