led and set good pace, ridden and headed just over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, always held
started slowly, held up last, chased leader over 2f out, led just over 1f out, pushed out
held up 3rd, ridden and effort over 2f out, no extra and soon one pace
tracked leader to over 2f out, soon weakened
Hurricane Spirit has his act together well and is preferred to Fares, Hucking Hill and Blue Charm, who complete a disappointing turn put for the prize-money available. Blue Charm is going the right way after showing plenty of sparkle in his two previous outings here - the latest being particularly rewarding as he stretched away nicely to register a three-length success. This is a step up in class (and trip) for the son of Averti, but it would come as no surprise to see him post an improved effort today. Hucking Hill tries seven furlongs for the first time this afternoon and is not expected to have too many problems stamina-wise. However, he has struggled when taking on this calibre of opponent in the past and he needs everything to go his way. Richard Hughes has a good record when riding for Clive Brittain and any support for Fares would not be arriving without foundation. Still, he would be receiving lumps of weight from the selection were they to meet in a handicap and the Mark Of Esteem colt has an uphill task at the weights. Therefore, it can pay to stick with the logical approach on this occasion, as Hurricane Spirit is very much on the upgrade and, as a mark of 102 all but rules out handicaps for the time being, this looks to be a good bit of placement by his trainer, John Best.
Fares (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Chased leader, led over 1f out, edged left, kept on, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo stk (3) pol in Nov beating Victor Trumper (9-3) by a nk, 6 ran.
Hurricane Spirit (IRE) 4-11fav (10-0) Took keen hold, held up last, headway to lead over 1f out, soon clear, eased towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (5) pol beating Teasing (9-3) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
Blue Charm 7-4fav (8-12) Chased leaders, challenged 2f out, soon led, ridden clear final furlong, eased near finish, won at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol beating Go Imperial (8-11) by 3l, 9 ran.
Hucking Hill (IRE) 9-4fav (9-10) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, went clear final 100 yards, driven out, won at Kempton 6f 2yo hcp (6) pol in Nov beating Nou Camp (8-10) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
