held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headway on outside over 1f out, edged left and kept on final furlong
led, ridden 3 lengths clear 2f out, headed 1f out, stayed on same pace
jumped right start, held up, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
keen, held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out, soon eased
hampered start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, soon led, ridden out
keen, tracked leader, ridden and weakened quickly over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out
slowly into stride, headway 5f out, soon ridden and weakened
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out
Not a race to get too heavily involved in, but Xaloc Bay looks the one to be on, with Dolphinelle and Marakash expected to run well. The three principals locked horns here last week with the selection getting the better of Marakash by a length, with Dolphinelle right behind in third. Xaloc Bay cruised into the lead on the home turn that day and won with a little bit in hand. There is very little change in the weights so there appears to be no reason why either of the placed horses should reverse the form. Looking for other possible dangers, Larad is one that could figure in the finish having chased home two subsequent winners Piquet and Wanna Shout over course and distance at the start of the month. Also watch for market support for the David Elsworth trained Never Cry Wolf, but after much deliberation, Xaloc Bay is chosen to land the hat-trick.