raced alone towards far side, prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
dwelt, keen, in rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
tracked leader, challenged 2f out, edged left and led 1f out, wandered inside final furlong, cosily
held up, mid-division, improved 2f out, ridden and effort entering final furlong, took 2nd towards finish, driven out
held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out
led, pressed from 2f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, lost 2nd towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, improved 2f out, effort entering final furlong, driven and stayed on same pace
SPACIOUS is the tentative call in an intriguing race where Goldikova and Rainbow View are the other leading protagonists. The trials and tribulations of Rainbow View's season have been well documented and this could be a seminal point in her season as she bids to become the fourth consecutive three year old winner. Connections will be hoping that sufficient rain falls in the Newmarket area to take any jar out of the ground and there will be many willing to give her another chance following respectable efforts in the Oaks and the Coronation. The soft ground was offered up as a possible excuse for Goldikova's failure on her seasonal return at a time when her yard weren't firing on all cylinders. She was twice defeated by the brilliant Zarkava in May and June last season but was unbeaten thereafter and sets the benchmark but has her trip to the Breeders' Cup left a mark? This is where we find out. Spacious' form falls someway short of that level but she was only beaten half a length in the Guineas before losing her way and it could be that the new tactics adopted at the behest of Johnny Murtagh can see her assert herself at the highest level. She was allowed an uncontested lead at Royal Ascot (where Heaven Sent never looked like passing her) and it's a concern that that scenario is unlikely to develop here with Cosmopolitan and Penny's Gift likely to provide competition up front but we'll take a chance that Spacious can repel all challengers.
Cosmopolitan 6-5fav (10-0) Raced wide of main group, prominent, led over 4f out, came towards stands side rail 3f out, ridden 2f out, driven and asserted towards finish, won at Newmarket 1m flls hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun beating Penzena (8-0) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Eva's Request (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Held up in last pair, headway under pressure 2f out, driven to take 3rd over 1f out, ridden and edged right inside final furlong, kept on, not pace of front pair, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Spacious (8-12) at Royal Ascot 1m (1) gf in Jun.
Goldikova (IRE) 5-4fav (8-12) 7th of 9, 11l behind Never On Sunday (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 1f Grp 1 sft in May.
Heaven Sent 5-2 (8-12) Chased winner throughout, driven and strong challenge over 1f out, soon every chance until found no extra and held final 100 yards, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Spacious (8-12) at Royal Ascot 1m (1) gf in Jun.
San Sicharia (IRE) 4-1 (9-9) Mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden in 7th 2f out, no impression in 6th 1f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 9, 4l behind Duff (9-9) at Leopardstown 7f Grp 3 gd in Jun.
Spacious 10-1 (8-12) Made all, gradually came to stands side rail 6f out, quickened tempo over 2f out, ridden and strongly pressed over 1f out, ran on well and in command final 100 yards, won at Royal Ascot 1m (1) gf in Jun beating Heaven Sent (8-12) by 1l, 9 ran.
Penny's Gift 2-1fav (9-2) won at Dusseldorf(GER) 1m stks gs in Jun beating Fabiana (9-2) by nk, 12 ran.
Rainbow View (USA) 13-2 (9-0) Settled in rear, pushed along over 2f out, not much room and slightly checked inside final 2f, stayed on well to take 3rd inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Ghanaati (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
