took keen hold early, tracked leaders, chased winner final furlong, one pace under pressure
held up 5th, effort on outside over 2f out, soon driven and no impression
led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
soon tracking leader, led 2f out, driven and held on well final furlong
held up 4th, headway and effort 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
held up last, effort over 1f out, stayed on, nearest finish
Race tactics are sure to play as strong a hand as the form already available as most of the field have gone well when fresh in the past. Olden Times has strong claims after starting his last campaign with a hard fought victory in the Prix Jean Prat over nine furlongs at Chantilly last June. He went on to put in a very decent performance in the St James's Palace Stakes and will be hard to beat if repeating that effort. Cape Town can also go well first time out and shook off the effects of a back injury to win two of his three outings last season, although he does have a little to prove today. Swallow Flight ran no sort of race on his reappearance and is better judged on his previous form, although he has sometimes lacked the finishing touch when contesting events at Group level. Golden Silca is nothing but game and ran a fair race in Dubai last time, but she may be seen to better effect in a fillies only contest. Peppercorn could be something of a fly in the ointment and his German form, although difficult to assess in the context of this race, reads very well. However, the percentage call lies with Tough Speed, who took a Group 3 contest at Doncaster in fine style last September. He has winning form on good and good to firm ground, and can continue his stable's fine start to the season.
