led, headed after 2f, ridden to lead again well inside final furlong
held up, driven 3f out, no impression
slowly into stride, led after 2f, ridden 2f out, outbattled and headed well inside final furlong
always in rear
held up, effort 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Mark Johnston has his string in good form in Royal Ascot week, and his HALLSTAT looks the answer to a quality handicap, with Simon Gray and Spiritual Treasure others to note in a competitive event. Spiritual Treasure stepped up considerably on his debut run, when getting up in the closing stages on his second outing at the end of last season. Well supported that day, he is a threat but may need this first run after an eight month absence. Simon Gray has won both his handicap starts to date and he has been raised only 4lbs for his latest win, a game effort to get back up having been headed. Richard Hughes is riding with a lot of confidence just now and the partnership looks potent. Hallstatt, a son of Halling, was also well backed when scoring on his debut, looking very professional as he quickened smartly to put the race to bed. He could be anything and Hallstatt is worth supporting here.
Sandor 10-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, hung right under pressure towards finish, headed last strides, 2nd of 10, shd behind Forte Dei Marmi (8-8) at Goodwood 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
Simon Gray 7-1 (9-4) Led after 1f, narrowly headed over 7f out, stayed chasing leader, driven to regain lead inside final furlong, stayed on gamely near finish, won at Newbury 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May beating Alanbrooke (9-2) by hd, 11 ran.
Hallstatt (IRE) 3-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden out towards finish, won at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn auc stks (5) pol in May beating Pyrus Time (8-12) by nk, 12 ran.
Sign of Approval 14-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, held up and keen, chased leaders over 5f out, chased winner 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Fastnet Storm (9-6) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Spiritual Treasure (USA) 10-3 (9-3) Soon led, narrowly headed over 3f out, regained lead 2f out, driven and in command final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Oct beating Naheell (9-3) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
Ballet Dancer (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Led for 1f, close up until led over 3f out, soon ridden, headed over 2f out, still every chance 1f out, no extra close home, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Rosika (8-12) at Salisbury 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) fm in May.
Echo Dancer 14-1 (9-7) Hampered and bumped start, raced keenly, always towards rear, never a factor, 11th of 13, 16l behind Cool Hand Jake (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Choral Service 14-1 (9-0) Steadied start, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, no further impression, 4th of 12, 10l behind Lowther (9-12) at Yarmouth 1m mdn stks (5) gd in May.