close up in chasing group, effort when hampered 1f out, kept on same pace
dwelt, held up intouch in chasing group, outpaced over 2f out
led chasing group, closed on leader 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leader in chasing group, led over 1f out, ridden clear inside final furlong
took keen hold, led and soon all of 15 lengths clear, ridden and weakened 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon behind
The previous six winners of this contest have had a rating in excess of 100, and with Godolphin having two of them, it's hard to see beyond VESUVE, although Harald Bluetooth's an interesting contender and Smokey Oakey may give him most to think about. Vesuve found one marginally better on his UK debut in a similar race at Doncaster last time out. He started his career in France and was running in group races in Dubai earlier this year, albeit without troubling the judge. In a handicap he'd have more than stone in hand on these. Smokey Oakey hasn't won for two years, and only when there's been some juice in the ground. Harald Bluetooth's won four of his last five runs and is having his first outing since being injured while winning at Kempton in January last year. It's an interesting choice of race in which he returns, but the yard are going well and he must be ready to return. Support in the market would make us take notice. With prize money down to fifth, at least the diesel will be covered for Slap And Tickle and Richo, but it's hard to see beyond Vesuve.
Harald Bluetooth (IRE) 4-5fav (9-4) Steadied start, settled in rear, ridden over 2f out, plenty to do, strong run on outside over 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong, led final strides, finished lame and dismounted after finish, won at Kempton 1m hcap (3) pol in Jan '09 beating Ocean Legend (8-5) by nk, 8 ran.
Richo 28-1 (8-10) Towards rear, never a factor, 11th of 16, 12l behind Amethyst Dawn (8-9) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Nov.
Smokey Oakey (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Raced far side, held up in rear, never a factor, 22nd of 29, 25l behind Invisible Man (8-9) at Royal Ascot 1m hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Vesuve (IRE) 4-1 (8-9) Led, ridden inside final furlong, kept on and headed towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Cesare (8-9) at Doncaster 1m stks (3) gf.
Slap And Tickle (IRE) 100-1 (8-2) Raced keenly, chased leaders to halfway, behind final 2f, tailed off, last of 6, 28l behind Elnawin (8-9) at Newmarket 5f cond Stakes (3) gf.
