held up, led 2f out, driven clear approaching final furlong, easily
steadied at start, soon mid-division, driven over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, driven over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, not much room and switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, pushed along halfway, headway when hampered over 1f out, not recovered
never better than mid-division
tracked leader, driven over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
prominent, pushed along halfway, weakened final furlong
started slowly and behind, soon chased along, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong
It's hard to get away from Aamaaq, who is readily preferred over Counterfactual and Opera Writer. It will also be interesting to see how the market speaks about Beautiful Summer; a well-bred filly that represents a yard in good form. Opera Writer has been a touch frustrating so far and has looked vulnerable in handicaps. However, he has an each-way chance in a race like this and is one to bear in mind if the price on the selection proves to be too restricting. Counterfactual does not appear to be the most straightforward of characters, yet showed promise in finishing fifth on his debut at Ripon. As a half-brother to the useful Royal Storm he can be expected to get better as he gains in experience. However, Aamaaq sets the standard on the balance of form to date and is expected to relish this ease in grade today.
Aamaaq 16-1 (8-6) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 9l behind Dunelight (8-6) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (2) gf in May.
Counterfactual (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Prominent, pushed along 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 5th of 14, 4l behind It's Unbelievable (9-3) at Ripon 1m 3yo mdn (5) gf.
Kings Confession (IRE) Danetime gelding out of the winning miler Night Rhapsody.
Opera Writer (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 10, 7l behind Methaaly (9-0) at Haydock 6f mdn stk (5) gf.
Rigat Dansili colt, half-brother to winners up to 1m6f.
Wind Star 14-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden over 3f out, no impression, 4th of 6, 7l behind Northern Boy (9-0) at Musselburgh 1m mdn stk (5) gf.
Cordelia 5-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon outpaced, last of 5, 4l behind Tawaajud (9-0) at Chester 7f 3yo mdn fll (4) gs in May.
Shiitake Cayman Kai filly out of a moderate racemare.