soon pushed along in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong
held up, headway with winner over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, unable to quicken near finish
with leader until over 1f out
close up, ridden and every chance over 1f out, edged left and weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, hung left final furlong
There is no doubting the chance of Balmont here, and he gets the call over Bahamian Pirate in this Conditions event. There is no doubt that the selection holds a favourite's chance based on his excellent third in the July Cup over course and distance last time. The only thing you might be concerned about is the bounce factor as that was his first run since his two-year-old days. Bahamian Pirate was well behind him last time but holds a clear chance on ratings and a repeat of his seventh in Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes puts him in the picture. Dragon Flyer comes out best of the rest based on official ratings, although Funfair Wane holds claims if getting back to his very best form, which includes an Ayr Gold Cup win. Overall, though, the vote has to go to Balmont.