chased leaders on outer, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
dwelt, soon chasing leaders, effort 2f out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
made all, pushed along 2f out, driven out final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 2f out, chased winner final furlong
dwelt, towards rear, pushed along halfway, ridden, one pace final 2f
In the opener, a few can be considered, including Global Warning, Zabeel House and Countess Carmine, but we will side with Imperial Sword. Imperial Sword's debut run, when fourth behind the Mark Johnston-trained In Full Cry, was a pleasing effort and it represents the best of the form of those to have so far raced. In this race, Johnston runs Global Warning, who cost $400,000 and who showed plenty of promise also when third at Hamilton, although the winner and runner-up have been beaten since. From the Ed Dunlop stable, Zabeel House has to be granted plenty of respect, and Countess Carmine has likeable breeding and could prove to be the best of the Pat Haslam pair. Branston Night cost 16,000 guineas but the stable runners usually need their first runs, while High Dancer and Bright Sparky are quite closely related on their dam's sides, but that's by-the-by and, in keeping with a few of these, the betting should be watched with regard to their chances. Finally, Toy Top has some interesting American breeding but, for the winner, we will stay with Imperial Sword.
Branston Bertie Bertolini colt out of 1m3f winner Kauri.
Bright Sparky (GER) Dashing Blade gelding, half-brother to 1m winner Bowled Out.
Grammaticus Zaha colt out of an unraced mare.
Hi Dancer Medicean colt, half-brother to 7f winner Hawaiian Song.
Imperial Sword 28-1 (9-0) Towards rear far side, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 17, 3 1/2l behind In Full Cry (9-0) at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Global Warning (USA) 11-2 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out and outpaced, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Salut d'Amour (8-9) at Hamilton 5f 2yo mdn (5) gs.
Zabeel House Anabaa gelding, full brother to 6f winner Celestia.
Countess Carmine Royal Applause filly out of 5f winner Red Ryding Hood.
