close-up, under pressure over 2f out and soon beaten
held up in touch, ridden to challenge winner over 1f out, every chance 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
started slowly, behind headway over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never troubled leaders
held up midfield, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened
behind, ridden 2f out, no headway, weakened final furlong
started slowly, in rear, steady headway 2f out, kept on to take third inside final furlong but not troubled leaders
soon tracked leader, led well over 2f out, challenged from well over 1f out, stayed on strongly under pressure final furlong, eased close home
led until headed well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong
Four Pence cost slightly more than that figure at the sales but this well bred individual could be the answer to this contest at the expense of the previously raced pair of Menokee and Bahama Reef. Four Pence is closely related to a number of smart mile and a half performers in Alexius and King Alex and there is every indication that the son of Rainbow Quest will need this mile and further on pedigree alone. Bahama Reef has had many opportunities to break the duck but in fairness to Brian Gubby, the horse has taken on some decent opposition thus far and while today represents a step in to the unknown with regard to the trip - the breeding suggests that a mile is not out of the question. Menokee did nothing wrong in a 7f maiden at Sandown on soft ground. Sir Michael Stoute's horses invariably improve for the run and anything achieved at this stage is a bonus. Neap Tide folded tamely on debut and has obvious questions to answer today. Lunar Exit has a staying pedigree and is Lady Herries' first juvenile of the term. Esti Ab does not look to be the best juvenile in Hamdan Al Maktoum's arsenal. Having considered the alternatives, it looks difficult to get away from the claims of Four Pence in what doesn't look to be the strongest of heats.
