tracked winner, pressed winner over 2f out, ridden and every chance afterwards, lost 2nd narrowly entering final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, chased winner entering final furlong, stayed on under pressure, always just held
close up last, ridden and lost touch from over 3f out, never dangerous afterwards
in touch 4th, went 3rd 6f out, ridden over 2f out, no impression and weakened approaching final furlong
made all, led, pressed over 2f out, shaken up 2f out, stayed on gamely final furlong, ridden out, held on well
Red Rocks gets the vote in this conditions race with Al Shemali and Pinpoint rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair ninth when last seen in the Breeder's cup. This represents a big drop in class and under conditions that suit he looks the one to be on. Al Shemali rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Teslin at Nad Al Sheba. However strictly on form he has a little to find and he is taken on with this in mind. Pinpoint is another that could go well but he is best off a strong pace and that does not look likely in this small field. Many Volumes and Murfreesboro have plenty to find on official figures and for the winner we return to Red Rocks who looks to have a little in hand.
Al Shemali 6-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, led 2f out, easily, won at Nad Al Sheba 1m 2f hcp 0-110 std in Jan beating Teslin (9-1) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Many Volumes (USA) 11-1 (9-10) Hampered start, held up mid-division, under pressure 3f out, soon beaten, last of 15, 39l behind Proponent (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gf.
Murfreesboro 16-1 (9-2) Tracked leader to well over 2f out, gradually weakened and tailed off final 2f, 5th of 6, 23l behind Malt Or Mash (9-0) at Kempton 1m 4f lst stk (1) pol in Mar.
Pinpoint (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, one pace under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Mashaahed (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 2f lst stk (1) gd in Nov.
Red Rocks (IRE) (9-0) Always close up, 3rd straight, disputed 2nd until weakening over 1f out, 9th of 13, 5l behind Doctor Dino (9-0) at Sha Tin 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd in Dec.