mid-division, driven and headway over 1f out, switched right approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, some late headway, never reached challenging position
led, ridden over 1f out, driven hung right and headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, kept on
in touch, pushed along halfway, ridden on one pace until weakened final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 1f out, ridden one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance approaching final furlong hung right and no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride and always behind
Palo Verde, Bid For Gold and Obe Royal look the trio to concentrate on and we will stick with Palo Verde. Mark Johnston's colt was quietly fancied ahead of his debut at Ayr and with normal improvement, he should be up to winning a race of this nature. Bid For Gold put up an improved effort on his second racecourse start and ran well at Carlisle given a difficult draw. Obe Royal was unfancied on debut at York and while briefly threatening to win the race, found little for pressure. Smart Instinct is related to a number of winners in the USA and is watched in the market. Musical Mirage is a well-bred daughter of Royal Anthem but has a modest draw to overcome. Wanchai Night showed plenty of early dash at Carlisle and looks to have place claims. Palo Verde showed enough on debut to warrant our selection and with his yard inform, he is a confident recommendation.
Bid For Gold 11-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, effort 2f out, ridden and every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 14, 1/2l behind Ponty Rossa (8-6) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Jun.
Obe Royal 20-1 (9-3) Slowly away, behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, hung left and one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 9, 7l behind Medicine Path (9-3) at York 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Palo Verde 2-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Big Timer (9-3) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn (4) frm.
Smart Instinct (USA) Smart Strike gelding, half-brother to several winners in the States including the speedy Dont Tell The Kids.
Wanchai Night 11-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Startolini (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) frm.
Lucky Bee (IRE) Indian Danehill filly, half-sister to winners up to 1m4f and over jumps.
Mazin Lady 16-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 7l behind Abby Road (9-0) at Ripon 5f 2yo mdn fll (4) gf.
Musical Mirage (USA) Royal Anthem filly out of a moderate racemare.