reared leaving stalls, took no part
chased leader, ridden and bumped 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden and headway 3f out, switched left and led briefly over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on gamely final furlong
towards rear, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
behind, ridden on outside over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
dwelt start, soon chased leader, jumped path 3f out, led briefly over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, switched left over 2f out, every chance 1f out, not hard driven when beaten final furlong
slowly into stride, mid-division until ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear, no impression
held up in mid-division, ridden and headway when bumped over 2f out, soon led, headed over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, not pace of winner
This is a trappy maiden and the leading lights look to be Golden Balls, Spanish Hidalgo and Raffaas and the vote is given to Golden Balls. The selection is no stable star but he is progressing nicely with racing and he put in his best effort yet when finishing third behind Nur Tau at Sandown. He sets the benchmark for the rest and gets the nomination. Spanish Hidalgo looked like he might need the run on his debut at Warwick but nonetheless he was still an eyecatcher as he made good progress after being slowly away and he finished a closing second behind Monachello. He is sure to benefit from that experience and he is entitled to strong consideration. Raffaas missed the break but stayed-on well behind Dubai Magic on his debut on this track. That was a decent effort and if he can improve for that run and get off on terms he will not be far away at the finish. Cry Presto is an interesting newcomer from the Richard Hannon yard and is worth noting in the market but for the winner we will stick with Golden Balls.
Color Man 10-1 (9-3) Slowly away, outpaced, 11th of 13, 12l behind Sanbuch (9-3) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn (4) pol in Jun.
Golden Balls (IRE) 9-4fav (9-3) Took keen hold, pressed leader, ridden to challenge 3f out, every chance over 1f out to inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Nur Tau (9-3) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Last Dog Standing (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders to halfway, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 10l behind Traffic Guard (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
Raffaas 9-4fav (9-0) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well to go 3rd final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Dubai Magic (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jun.
Spanish Hidalgo (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Mid-division, pushed along over 5f out, ridden and hung left 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Monachello (9-3) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn (5) frm in Jun.
Clewer 11-2 (8-7) Chased leaders on inner, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 8l behind Zahour Al Yasmeen (9-0) at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Jun.
Snake's Head Golden Snake filly, half-sister to winners up to 1m1f.
Cry Presto (USA) Street Cry colt, half-brother to winners up to 7f.
