tracked leaders, quickened to lead over 2f out, soon clear, eased inside final furlong, clever ride
keen tracked leader until led narrowly 5f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
keen led, headed narrowly 5f out, ridden to chase winner 2f out, no impression
Nonrunner
Fort Bastion is the highest rated and after competing at the top level last year, picking up a maiden at Salisbury on his return was a mere formality. This is more of a test, however, stepping up to a mile for the first time with the well-regarded STARBOARD taking him on. John Gosden's colt landed the odds at Redcar in November with the minimum of fuss and a handful of fancy entries suggests big things are expected of him this year. Gold City was confined to sprinting last term and looks to have a bit to prove over today's distance while Minstrels Gallery is up against it on these terms.
Fort Bastion (IRE) 1-8fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, challenged over 2f out, led over 1f out, quickened clear, easily, won at Salisbury 6f mdn stks (5) sft beating Zhiggy's Stardust (9-0) by 12l, 10 ran.
Minstrels Gallery (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Raced stand side, in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 7th of 12, 12l behind Trumpet Major (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Apr.
Starboard 1-2fav (9-3) Dwelt, mid-division, headway to go 2nd ovewr 2f out, led over 1f out, soon quickened clear, eased towards finish, won at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Nov beating Galician (8-12) by 5l, 12 ran.
Gold City (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 22, 6l behind Bogart (8-12) at Redcar 6f Lstd auc stks (1) gf in Oct.
