tracked leaders, challenged travelling well 2f out, ran green, led briefly 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, ran green and soon pushed along, always behind
led, hard ridden and headed approaching 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leader, ridden to lead approaching 2f out, hard driven and narrowly headed 1f out, soon in front and stayed on well under pressure
went right start, soon chased leaders, ridden over 2f out and soon weakened
slowly into stride and bumped start, always in rear
A race to watch as far as this judge is concerned but if you must have a bet then CALYPSO STAR is suggested, while Alrasm and Brisbane could also go close. With only Lofthouse having seen a racecourse and not tearing up any trees, we are bound to look at pedigrees and trainer form for the clues here, and Calypso Star comes out on top. One of three Richard Hannon inmates in this contest, he is related to plenty of winning juvenile stock over six and seven furlongs and is likely to be forward enough to do himself justice first time. John Gosden saddles Brisbane, a colt by Kheleyf and a half-brother to a sprint winner at this age. He looks one to keep on the right side of and a win would be no shock. The latter comment also applies to Alrasm, whose yard is going well, although on balance this Acclamation colt might be better at three. First Cat looks likely to emerge as the best of the other Hannon-trained pair, while Rakhine is another well-related colt who should get in the mix. A very tricky race to assess then, and a gun-to-the-head selection is Calypso Star.
Alrasm (IRE) Acclamation colt out of New Deal.
Brisbane (IRE) Kheleyf colt out of Waroonga.
Calypso Star (IRE) Exceed And Excel colt out of Reematna.
Lofthouse 7-1 (9-3) Mid-division, effort halfway, no impression, 7th of 11, 20l behind Mister Manannan (9-3) at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Meglio Ancora Best Of The Bests gelding out of May Fox.
Rakhine (IRE) Arakan colt out of Amorous Pursuits.
Volatilis (IRE) Antonius Pius colt out of Fire Flower.
First Cat One Cool Cat gelding out of Zina La Belle.
Sabii Sands (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt out of Miriana.
Dragonessa (IRE) Red Ransom filly out of Principessa.