held up rear, switched left, ridden and headway 1f out, one pace
tracked leaders, led and edged right 1f out, ran on
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up in rear, ridden 2f out, headway to take 2nd inside final furlong, not reached winner
led at steady pace, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened
Rafferty, who ran a blinder at Epsom last time, is taken to score, with Bagan and Shuhood seen as the main dangers. The step up to 10 furlongs could well suit the selection, who has only ever won over seven furlongs but Epsom suggested today's trip was worth a try. Bagan is favoured by the race conditions, and he finished a good second in a Sandown maiden last time. He is open to further improvement. The well-bred Shuhood seemed a little unlucky at Salisbury last time and a first-time visor might help his cause. If Courageous Duke could repeat the run in the autumn that saw him beat subsequent Listed and Royal Hunt Cup winner Macadamia, then he would hold chances, but three runs since have been disappointing. McBain has chances at the weights, as does Able Baker Charlie, although the last-named's recent efforts have hardly been encouraging. Overall, then, and with Clive Brittain's team still in good form, Rafferty is taken to score.