chased leaders, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong
led to over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, edged right and headed well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no reach leaders
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
keen, chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
always towards rear, eased final furlong
Poker Player gets our vote over Celtique, Ground Rules and Wingspeed. The last named has bits and pieces of form that suggest that he can make the frame in this company. The son of Bluebird has put in his best performances when tried over a mile and he is one to carefully monitor in the betting today. Ground Rules impressed on his debut last season but has not been seen out since he disappointed in a maiden at Goodwood 402 days ago. He is an interesting one to note but there has to be the suspicion that he will need the run. Celtique has threatened to win a race like this and is holding her form well at present. She is a likely candidate to cut out the running and can make this a good test. However, Poker Player makes more appeal over this trip and he just gets the nod. Brian Meehan's charge has put in several good efforts this term and has finished second in three of his last four outings. Assuming there is no freak down pouring of rain, the ground has come up in his favour and, with Frankie Dettori doing the steering, Poker Player has every element on his side to expect another big run this afternoon.
Ground Rules (USA) 11-4fav (8-11) Dwelt and awkward start, soon in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 12, 14l behind Jonquil (8-11) at Goodwood 7f 2yo mdn (D) gf in Jul '04.
Poker Player (IRE) 4-1 (8-9) Pulled hard, tracked leader, ridden halfway, weakened 3f out, 4th of 7, 20l behind Benedict (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Pride of Nation (IRE) Danehill Dancer colt out of an unraced mare.
Wingspeed (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Mid-division to rear, weakened over 3f out, last of 10, 14l behind Fantorini (9-4) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Aimee Vibert 10-1 (8-6) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened and edge left final furlong, 5th of 13, 8l behind Hinterland (8-11) at Newmarket 1m mdn stk (5) gd in Aug.
Celtique 9-4 (8-9) Led, ridden over 2f out, hung left and headed final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind I Have Dreamed (9-0) at Folkestone 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gd in Aug.
Double Dawn 22-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, pushed along from 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 12, 5l behind Puya (8-11) at Newbury 7f mdn fll (5) gf in Aug.
Sister Eugenie (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Ridden along mid-division, effort 3f out, soon weakened, 13th of 19, 8l behind Pink Bay (9-1) at Chepstow 6f 3yo mdn hcp (6) gf in Aug.
