led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace after
held up behind leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, not clear run briefly twice just inside final furlong, kept on close home
held up, headway 2f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, ridden out
tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon ridden, headed just inside final furlong, kept on
slowly into stride, behind, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold, tracked leader, disputed after 3f until over 1f out, kept on same pace
took keen hold, in rear, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader until 3f out, soon ridden, one pace after
This is a good two-year-old race and our vote goes to Tufton ahead of Bucharest, Military Cross, Punta Galera and Dark Islander. The nicely-bred Bucharest looked a horse of a lot of potential when winning at Nottingham on his debut and is respected. Layazaal disappointed last time after winning on his debut, while Military Cross gained a well-deserved success when storming to victory at Warwick last time and he should continue on the upgrade. Punta Galera is a solid benchmark to the form, as his fifth in the Haynes, Hanson and Clark last time testifies, while Tufton beat Punta Galera a short head on his maiden debut and, being certain to build on that, rates as a major player in this interesting event. The well-regarded Dark Islander has form enough - including when winning over course and distance - to be granted plenty of respect, while Theatre Royal showed promise on her Goodwood debut and should be up to winning races. As to whether that will be today, we are not sure but, overall, the vote stays with Tufton.
Bucharest 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led 1f out, ridden out, won at Nottingham 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Levera (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Layazaal (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 14th of 22, 5l behind Johnny The Fish (8-11) at Doncaster 6f 2yo aut (2) gf.
Military Cross 4-7fav (8-11) Tracked leaders, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, soon clear, won at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd beating London Express (8-11) by 6l, 10 ran.
Tufton 7-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, led on inner 2f out, driven final furlong, just held on, won at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug beating Punta Galera (9-0) by a shd, 15 ran.
Corrib (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Held up in rear, in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders, 5th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Hot (8-12) at Lingfield 6f 2yo stk (4) pol in Aug.
Trafalgar Bay (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Led main group to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 11, 9l behind Winged Cupid (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2yo stk (3) gf.
Kick And Prance Groom Dancer colt, half-brother to winning miler Final Promise.
Theatre Royal 14-1 (8-6) Prominent, ridden well over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 5, 1l behind Nudrah (8-9) at Goodwood 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Punta Galera (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Led stand side pair, well on terms until weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Winged Cupid (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2yo stk (3) gf.
Dark Islander (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Led, ridden approaching 1f out, no extra when headed close home, 3rd of 7, 3/4l behind Emirates Skyline (9-4) at Sandown 7f nov stk (3) gs.
