in touch, ridden 3f out, kept on until one pace over 1f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon led, driven out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
led, ridden over 2f out, soon headed, not pace of winner
Hieroglyph is the one to beat here and the writing could be on the wall for her opponents from some way out; Al Cobra looks the best of the rest. Mark Johnston's daughter of Green Desert is officially rated 78, some way clear of her rivals. Those who have raced don't look any great shakes so unless the newcomers excel, Hieroglyph can get off the mark at the fifth time of asking. Stablemate Somerset Falls is nicely bred and related to several who won in their first season at this time of year; the market will help guide to her chances but she looks the stable second string on jockey bookings. Expect Improvement from Berry Baby after just one start, whilst Al Cobra cost a pretty penny and by Sadler's Wells out of a Darshaan mare she looks one to keep an eye on, although we may see the best of her next year. Jamie Spencer is an intriguing booking for Paul Blockley on Danse De Sioux, however Hieroglyph gets the vote.
Al Cobra (IRE) Sadler's Wells filly, half-sister to numerous winners from 1m3f-1m6f including top-class Marienbard.
Berry Baby (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Always in the rear, 8th of 13, 10l behind Swanky Lady (9-0) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gf in Oct.
Hieroglyph 15-8fav (8-12) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, lost 2nd 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Staying On (9-3) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Oct.
Island Music (IRE) 28-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 15, 6l behind Spinning Lucy (9-0) at Redcar 6f 2yo mdn fll (5) gd in Oct.
Reel Cool 16-1 (9-0) Raced keenly, held up, outpaced 3f out, soon beaten, last of 10, 24l behind Hallingdal (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gs in Oct.
Salerosa (IRE) Monashee Mountain filly, half-sister to winning hurdler Goldgig.
Somerset Falls (UAE) Red Ransom filly, half-sister to winning miler Crested and high-class 7f-1m4f winner Boscobel.
Danse de Sioux (IRE) Frenchmans Bay filly, half-sister to winning miler Send Me Home.
Forrest Star 80-1 (8-3) Slowly into stride, outpaced, behind, never dangerous, 11th of 16, 15l behind Northern Bolt (8-13) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs in Sept.