slowly into stride, raced mid-division, ridden halfway, never troubled the leaders
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed near finish
dwelt, mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
mid-division, never troubled leaders,
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, hung right and kept on one pace from 1f out
slowly into stride, towards, not troubled leaders
always prominent, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead close home
led, ridden 2f out, led inside final furlong, weakened
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden 4f out, kept on never nearer
pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, no impression final 2f out
Desert Battle showed plenty of potential on his recent debut and gets the verdict to open his account while Lake Garda and Show No Fear rate as the main dangers while The Fun Merchant is another to consider. The selection shaped with an abundance of promise when a close fourth behind Privy Seal at Windsor earlier in the month and the form was given a massive boost when the winner finished third in last week's Coventry Stakes. With the experience behind him, Michael Blanshard's charge looks the one to beat granted normal improvement. Lake Garda was unfancied on his recent debut over course and distance but ran well above expectations to finish runner-up in a large field of maidens and should prove capable of reaching a place at this level. Show No Fear met a useful rival first time up at Yarmouth but failed to progress next time and is held by the selection on Windsor form. The Fun Merchant shaped with some ability on his debut and will be sharper for the outing but Desert Battle sets the standard and gets the vote.
