chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, eased inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and one pace approaching final furlong
close up, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
made most, ridden 2f out, kept on well
slow into stride, behind, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, never on terms
always outpaced in rear
mid-division, chased leaders halfway, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
outpaced behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, no impression
in touch, weakened final furlong
Balik Pearls, Latona and Choir Practice are three against the field in this competitive opener and the final vote is given to Balik Pearls. The selection made a pleasing debut but she was then a little disappointing at Brighton last time when she was second behind Persian Express. She may not have handled the track that day and we are prepared to give her another chance to justify her good reputation. Latona is a well-bred newcomer from Godolphin and she is obviously entitled to plenty of respect on her racecourse debut. However, she is bred to be better over slightly further and for that reason we are prepared to take her on today. Choir Practice ran encouragingly on her debut at Newmarket but she has failed to build on that and it would require a leap of faith if she is to be supported in this contest. Namu ran well last time and is another to consider, but she has had plenty of chances and for the winner we are happy to return to Balik Pearls.
Balik Pearls 15-8fav (8-4) Held up in 3rd going well, chased winner approaching final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Persian Express (8-9) at Brighton 7f 2yo mdn (5) frm in Sept.
Bellsbank (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Behind, switched right halfway, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, never nearer, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Spinning Ruby (8-11) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn fll (5) gs in Sept.
Choir Practice 15-8jt-fav (8-11) Close up 3rd, ridden and effort 2f out, not pace to challenge, weakened final furlong, 4th of 7, 7l behind Galileo's Star (8-11) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) gs in Jul.
Coalpark (IRE) Titus Livius filly out of winning miler Honey Storm.
Consent 66-1 (8-9) Slowly away and behind, driven and headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer, 9th of 18, 9l behind Crosby Vision (9-0) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Ebony Lady 100-1 (8-9) Mid-division, ridden, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened, 15th of 16, 21l behind Dee Day (9-0) at Redcar 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Laqataat (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, carried left and weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 6l behind Capricorn Run (9-0) at Newbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
Latona Fantastic Light filly, half-sister to Group 3 winners Magna Graecia & Graikos.
Namu 8-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Giving (8-11) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gf in Sept.
The Struie 25-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride but soon in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened 1f out, 4th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Soft Centre (8-11) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) gd in Sept.
Vinska (USA) 8-1 (8-11) In touch on far side until ridden and weakened 2f out, 8th of 17, 13l behind Auction Room (8-11) at Chepstow 1m 2yo mdn fll (5) gd in Aug.
Wendals Xaar filly, half-sister to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
