slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led, headed over 8f out, tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, hard ridden over 1f out, all out to lead towards finish
tracked leader, led over 8f out, hard ridden and under pressure over 1f out, headed towards finish but no extra
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
tracked leaders and keen, weakened 3f out, soon eased
Crete, Chocolate Caramel and Barcardero look the three to concentrate on in this tight handicap and the confident vote is given to Crete. The selection won with a little in hand when beating Bulwark last time out. Granted she has a five pound penalty for that win but she looks progressive and is taken to defy the handicapper under conditions that suit. Chocolate Caramel rates the main danger as she got up on the line to defeat Sacranun last time out and is sure to be suited by this longer trip. But she will do well to give weight and a beating to the selection. Barcardero is another worthy of respect on her latest third behind Plea Bargain but she is far from certain to stay this trip and for that reason she is overlooked. Toldo is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he looks weighted up to his best. Of the remainder, Terminate is from a yard in form and should be noted in the market but his overall form leaves him with a little to find and for the winner we are happy to side with Crete.
Chocolate Caramel (USA) 3-1fav (8-12) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, every chance from 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) sft in May beating Sacranun (8-10) by a shd, 11 ran.
Barcardero (USA) 7-2 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed inside final 3f, soon outpaced by winner, weakened and lost 2nd 2f out, last of 3, 13l behind Plea Bargain (9-0) at Sandown 1m 3yo stk (3) gd in Apr.
Toldo (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Held up, headway 5f out, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 7, 2l behind Given A Choice (9-3) at Redcar 1m 3f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
Crete (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) Held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out, won at Leicester 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gf in May beating Bulwark (9-0) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Hill Fairy 9-1 (8-11) Prominent, led halfway, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 8, 12l behind Tcherina (8-11) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn fll (D2) hvy in Sept.
Terminate (GER) 11-2 (9-2) Keen, held up, headway and not clear run 2f out, ran on close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Factual Lad (10-0) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp (5) gf.
