led, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
towards rear, headway and effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, headway and effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up in touch, pushed along 3f out, headway and effort over 1f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong to lead near finish
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, switched left and headway 3f out, every chance entering final furlong, no extra towards finish
in touch, effort 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
close up, weakening when clipped heels and unseated rider 3f out
Top weight Pearl Pride should be suited by the step up in trip but is far from certain to handle the testing conditions and preference is for Third Empire, who gets the vote over Platinum Pirate. The selection has a 9lb pull with the last mentioned for the five-and-three-quarters lengths that was between the two over course and distance last month and is entitled to reverse form as that was his first outing of the season, while Karl Burke's horse was fit from the all-weather. Nigel Tinkler's Perfect Balance has shown a liking for testing conditions and has to be respected along with Bond Moonlight, although the last mentioned has a bit to find with the selection and Platinum Pirate on running here last month. Rock Lobster is another worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Third Empire.