in touch, pushed along halfway, weakened and behind final 3f
in touch on inside, weakened inside final 2f
in touch over 6f
held up, good headway on inside from over 4f out, led inside final 3f, stayed on well
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened 3f out, eased when no chance final 2f
behind, headway on inside to chase leaders, inside final 3f, weakened over 1f out
behind, headway on outside 3f out, chased winner 2f out, no impression final furlong, kept on for clear 2nd
mid-division, ridden and no headway final 3f
chased leaders until weakened 3f out
in touch, ridden and stayed on same pace final 2f
mid-division, ran very wide bend over 5f out, soon well behind
held up and behind, headway under pressure 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, one pace and no impression
tracked leader, led over 4f out, to inside final 3f and weakened
always behind
Not a bad contest for its type and one that can be taken by Matouraka, with American Duke, Cormorant Wharf and Cornish Gold others for the short list. The selection has actually been competing over a mile-and-a-half in three starts to date, winning twice over the trip at Deauville. However, she is the sister of a 10 furlong winner and should get this even shorter trip if her bloodlines are anything to go by. She travels well in her races and can get handy enough to make a decisive finishing burst here and we take her to score on her British debut. Top weight American Duke has gone up 8lb for a five length win at Salisbury last time. He was eased that day and may have had more in hand. However, this shorter trip is not sure to suit and with that rise in the weights posing problems of its own on balance we will oppose. Cormorant Wharf starts from the same mark as when a running on second to Fantasy Crusader over this trip at Goodwood a month ago. The handicapper has given him a chance now and he should again be on the premises. Of the remainder, keep an eye out for Cornish Gold. Nicky Henderson has a tremendous record here with his jumpers, and his few flat runners tend to go well, so if this one can improve slightly on his recent Chepstow run then he can also be involved at the finish. Our choice here though, is Matouraka.
