towards rear, soon pushed along, never dangerous
towards rear, pushed along halfway, some late headway, never near to challenge
in touch, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up mid-division, headway 2f out, led entering final furlong, kept on well
prominent, outpaced over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong
mid-division, outpaced halfway, soon beaten
mid-division, soon chased along, never a factor
led, headed over 3f out, soon behind
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra close home
The vote here goes to Stay Close, with the main dangers suggested as Orpendonna, Le Chiffre, Sea Kestrel and, possibly, Amorist. The Andrew Balding-trained selection made a very pleasing debut when third to Resplendent Prince at Lingfield 14 days ago. Much as the runner-up has since let the form down, we are going to stay with Stay Close, who has plenty of dirt-blood in his pedigree. From the David Loder stable, the selection showed plenty of promise when running third to Real Quality at Newcastle on his debut and normal improvement alone should put him squarely in the thick of things today if taking to the surface. The trainer also confuses the issue by also running the Royal Applause newcomer Royal Charter and Royal Wedding, although the latter looks modest. The Silver Hawk newcomer, Sea Kestrel, has also to be granted respect from the Mark Johnston camp, while the 55,000 guineas purchase Fidra might do better if learning to settle. Sir Mark Prescott's Amorist has to be of interest here based on breeding so keep a close eye on the betting with regard to this newcomer, and he looks the stronger of the two entries from the Baronet. Atriffic Story showed promise on his Turf debut at Doncaster and Orpendonna sets the benchmark for the form based on her short head second to King After at Wolverhampton last time. She might well give the selection, Stay Close, the most to do..
