in touch, ridden along over 3f out, weakend over 1f out
towards rear, effort over 3f out, no impression
held up, headway over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, headed approacing final furlong, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden along over 3f out, one pace until weakened entering final furlong
prominent, smooth progress to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon beaten
A potentially trappy contest to conclude the card where Lady Friend may have the edge over Ronaldsay and Free Offer. Ten furlongs and soft ground is ideal for Lady Friend, who won with those conditions at Windsor in July. Although beaten off this mark since, she did not have juice in the ground, but still ran well, and she can now step up to the mark once more. Tcherina looks a little high in the weights and probably wants further, while Ronaldsay would prefer the ground to dry out to enhance her chance. The latter comment applies to Free Offer, and off this mark Sunisa may prove a better proposition. Tebee can go well if handling soft ground as well as pedigree suggests, while Princess Cocoa, Hazelnut and Toccata all have at least some positive credentials to bring to the party. An intriguing race then and Lady Friend can provide us with a win.
Tcherina (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 11l behind Sporting Gesture (10-5) at York 1m 4f amt hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Ronaldsay 9-2 (9-7) Behind, not clear run over 2f out, headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, gaining near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Viva La Flag (9-2) at Newbury 1m 2f hcap (4) gf.
Lady Friend 13-2 (9-7) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, wide entering straight, edged left and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Chord (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.
Sunisa (IRE) 10-1 (9-13) In touch, remained far side, driven over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 7l behind Gull Wing (9-7) at York 1m 2f fll hcp (3) hvy in Jul.
Tebee 2-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Silver Mitzva (8-10) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Princess Cocoa (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Held up behind leaders, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Malyana (9-6) at Ripon 1m 2f fll hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Toccata (IRE) 6-1 (8-13) Led after 1f, ridden, headed inside final 3f, gradually weakened, 8th of 9, 9l behind Sell Out (8-11) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (4) sft in Jun.
Free Offer 10-1 (8-12) Raced in 4th, ridden to chase leading pair inside final 2f, no impression, 3rd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Six of Diamonds (9-1) at Bath 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) frm.
Hazelnut 11-8fav (9-7) Mid-division, headway on bit over 2f out, ridden to lead briefly 2f out, found nil final furlong, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Veenwouden (9-5) at Salisbury 1m 4f fll hcp (4) gs in Aug.