took keen hold, soon settled 4th, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, pushed along on outside 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, almost snatched 2nd, no chance with winner
chased winner, pushed along 2f out, soon locked 2nd, and weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner final furlong, just held on for 2nd
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
soon led, pushed clear well over 1f out, stayed on well easily
MOONLIFE paid the price for chasing a strong pace in the Sandringham and it's to be hoped that she's ridden with more restraint as there appears to be plenty of pace on here with the likes of Dixey and Multiplication in the line-up. Dixey's last success came in a similar race over course and distance when making all in June of last year and she may well try to repeat the tactics but it won't be easy as Multiplication has tried to make all in the majority of her starts. She appeared to be employed as a pacemaker last time so that run is best ignored but her maiden win came over eleven furlongs so it remains to be seen how she copes with this trip. Farley Star was usually ridden with more patience when trained by Roger Charlton and those tactics may be ideal with the make-up of this race but she's probably best watched on her belated return for a new yard. Perfect Star usually races fairly prominently and has enjoyed a consistent season. She could benefit from the way that this race is run, may have benefited from being given a mid-season break and looks likely to run up to form which may be enough as she's the second highest rated horse in the race. She was in front of First City at Ascot in July and should confirm the form although First City did post a decent effort last time. The highest rated horse, Moonlife, comes back to action on the back of a poor run but there was a valid excuse for that performance. Prior to that run, she had gone close on her seasonal reappearance when just denied by Nashmiah and she looked a shade unfortunate as she was short of room when looking to challenge from off the pace. Her head carriage under pressure wasn't entirely convincing but she looks well worth another chance and this could be a decent opening for Moonlife to shine.
Dixey 11-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, weakened 1f out, 9th of 10, 10l behind Harrison George (9-4) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Sep.
Farley Star 8-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, weaved way through, running on towards finish, 7th of 15, 15l behind Cape Amber (8-9) at Yarmouth 1m 2f fll lst stks (1) gd in Sep '08.
Multiplication 40-1 (8-9) Led, pushed clear 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened and eased when well beaten final furlong, last of 8, 24l behind Spirit Of Dubai (8-9) at Ascot 1m 4f fll lst stks (1) gd in Sep.
Perfect Star 7-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, headway final furlong, stayed on towards finished, but not pace to reach leading pair, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Strawberrydaiquiri (8-11) at Ascot 1m fll lst stks (1) gd in Jul.
First City 20-1 (8-10) Slightly hampered start, held up towards rear, headway on outside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong but no impression towards finish, 5th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Golden Stream (8-13) at Ascot 7f fll lst stks (1) gf in Sep.
Moonlife (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Took keen hold, in touch, pushed along 3f out, weakened rapidly over 2f out, and soon eased when no chance, last of 19, 43l behind Moneycantbuymelove (8-11) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo fll lst hcp (1) gf in Jun.
