chased winner to 2f out, soon weakened
set steady pace early, made all, ridden and in command final furlong, stayed on well
reluctant to go to post, slowly away and lost 8 lengths, recovered and in touch in rear 7f out, headway on inside 3f out, switched left to track leaders over 2f out, chased winner 2f out, driven and no impression final furlong
dwelt, raced in 4th, pushed along 3f out, went 3rd 2f out, no chance with front pair over 1f out, eased final furlong
chased leaders in 3rd, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Withdrawn
Only seven runners but a fascinating heat with two progressive, penalised three year-olds in the field. They would appear to be the two to concentrate on and we came down in favour of Hunting Country. It's no surprise to see both runners make quick reappearances as Australia Day has shot up by 13lbs for a similarly authoritative victory and will do well to be competitive in this company as a result. Prince Sabbah has a bit to prove at this trip and looks high enough in the weights whilst Hustle is far from certain to stay. So, on to the business end and it's difficult to choose between Presvis and Hunting Country. The Cumani gelding caught the eye on debut before a couple of quiet runs and confirmed initial impressions when running away with a course and distance handicap a week ago in a good time; he could be anything. However, narrow preference is for the Johnston runner as he achieved more when beating a strong field at Newbury and looks equally progressive. This should be a cracker, Hunting Country gets the vote.
Prince Sabaah (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 13, 3l behind Sahrati (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
Australia Day (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Made all, pushed clear over 3f out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Windsor 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun beating Beverly Hill Billy (9-13) by 8l, 11 ran.
Presvis 3-1fav (8-8) Steadied start, raced keenly and held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, quickened final furlong, easily, won at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Blacktoft (9-2) by 9l, 11 ran.
Hunting Country 9-2fav (8-4) Prominent, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden and clear over 1f out, ran on well, pushed out, easily, won at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gd beating Pinch of Salt (9-8) by 4l, 16 ran.
Colorado Blue (IRE) 11-4 (9-6) Made all, kept on gamely inside final furlong, won at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf beating Timbalier (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Hustle (IRE) 7-2 (8-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Military Cross (10-0) at Salisbury 1m hcp 0-100 (2) frm in Jun.
Bahar Shumaal (IRE) 16-1 (8-1) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 14th of 15, 6l behind Lovelace (9-6) at Sandown 1m hcap (2) gf.