soon prominent, led over 9f out until over 7f out, stayed with leader until ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off
took keen hold, led 2f, tracked leaders, went 2nd inside 3f out, switched right over 1f out, kept on to lead well inside final furlong
in touch, edged right and weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, went 2nd briefly 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
slowly away, in rear, lost touch inside 3f out, tailed off
held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd over 1f out, no impression on front pair
slowly into stride, took keen hold and soon prominent, led over 7f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, worn down inside well inside final furlong
A weak race and a golden opportunity for SWINDLER to open his account, primarily at the main expense of Musical Mark and newcomer Tooprague. Andrew Balding's gelding was an excellent second on his debut at Newmarket when beaten by half a length by Soul City (subsequent Group Three and Goffs million winner) before finishing last of all in the Gordon Stakes a year later. Nine months on and he should be able to see off this motley lot if anywhere near full fitness. Demo Jo looks one for handicaps after two more runs, so a bigger threat may be bumper runner Tooprague who has fitness on her side but is yet to suggest she'll upset the applecart. Lauberhorn could easily improve for the longer trip, whilst Platinum Bounty showed little on debut at Goodwood and is not really bred to relish this longer trip. The obvious threat to the selection is Musical Mark who seemed to improve markedly from first to second outings, coinciding with the application of the blinkers. The headgear remains on this evening and this son of Oratorio should be at home over this longer trip. In truth, this looks a golden opportunity for Swindler to score.
Juniper Prince 100-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, always in rear, behind final 3f, 9th of 10, 49l behind Kindlelight Sun (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
Swindler (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, raced keenly, steadied after 2f, lost place 6f out, behind final 3f, last of 9, 13l behind Harbinger (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jul.
Platinum Bounty 100-1 (9-0) Slowly away, in rear, pushed along when not much room entering straight, never a factor, 11th of 15, 20l behind Louise Bonne (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3yo mdn fll stks (5) gd in May.
Suhailah 50-1 (8-12) Close up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, last of 6, 35l behind Kazbow (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (5) pol in Nov.
Tooprague 11-1 (9-7) Mid-division, headway 10f out, edged right and weakened over 1f out, 8th of 13, 25l behind Cue Card (10-7) at Fontwell 1m 6f NH flat (6) sft in Jan.
Lauberhorn 100-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 13, 13l behind Higgy's Ragazzo (9-3) at Chepstow 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Sep.
Musical Mark 20-1 (8-4) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden to chase leading pair well over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Beneath (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Mar.
Demo Jo 28-1 (9-7) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 23l behind Parhelion (8-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Mar.
