held up, headway 3f out, soon ridden, no further impression
led, ridden over 1f out, no extra when headed final 25 yards
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up behind, headway 3f out, soon ridden, hung left 1f out, one pace after
slowly into stride, held up, headway 3f out, soon ridden, one pace final 2f
chased leaders, lost action on bend 5f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, stayed on
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leader, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on under strong pressure, led final 25 yards
The short list consists of Archerfield Links, Banknote and Percy's Pearl, with the vote going to the first-named horse. Archerfield Links was backed for the Britannia at Royal Ascot following three wins from five career starts. Clearly well regarded, he can put up a better show today at this slightly lower level. Percy's Pearl won his maiden here and showed enough on his return to suggest that he can win races this season. That might all start today. Banknote is lightly raced and, racing from just four pounds above a winning mark from last season, should be open to some improvement and is another that gets plenty of respect, with soft going probably having worked against him last time. Pintle comes here in good heart following her Warwick win and is not ruled out given her good mood even from a six-pounds higher mark. All Quiet is another course and distance winner and, much as he lacks a recent run, cannot entirely be ruled out of things. Finally, Bee Stinger could be fancied based on his Lingfield romp last time, but will he reproduce it on Turf? Once again, then, the vote goes to Archerfield Links.
Will He Wish 14-1 (9-7) Raced on outside in touch, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 11l behind Wavertree Warrior (9-0) at Sandown 7f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
Pintle 13-2 (9-3) Made all, ridden 2f out, ran on, won at Warwick 1m hcp 0-85 (4) frm in Jun beating Night Storm (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
San Antonio 14-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders in 3rd, effort inside final 3f, soon ridden, beaten, 6th of 7, 9l behind Tanzanite (8-13) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-95 (3) hvy in May.
Archerfield Links (USA) 12-1 (8-11) Raced near side, behind, some headway on outer over 2f out, beaten when eased 1f out, 18th of 30, 20l behind Sir Gerard (8-12) at Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Percy's Pearl (USA) 8-1 (9-3) Pulled hard, held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 4th of 11, 4l behind Davenport (8-10) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-80 (4) sft in May.
Palatinate (FR) 20-1 (9-4) Prominent, led over 7f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened 2f out, 11th of 12, 10l behind Winners Delight (9-0) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
All Quiet 14-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, stayed on final 2f, never going pace to reach leaders, 5th of 16, 7l behind Glad Big (9-1) at Kempton 1m hcap (4) pol in Apr.
Mohawk Star (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Always behind, last of 18, 26l behind Maraakeb (9-2) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (4) gs in Apr '05.
Bee Stinger 20-1 (8-11) Prominent, tracked leading pair over 3f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear, won at Lingfield 1m hcap (5) pol in May beating Samuel Charles (9-2) by 5l, 12 ran.
Banknote 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, effort on stands side rail to lead 3f out, headed 2f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 9l behind Tanzanite (8-13) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-95 (3) hvy in May.
