with leader, led after 2f, pressed 1f out, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong, driven out
tracked leaders, chased winner 4f out, lost 2nd over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
held up behind, ridden along 3f out, no impression on leaders, one pace final 2f
in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, effort and every chance over 1f out, kept on
held up mid-division, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish and held
pulled hard in rear, headway 4f out and in touch, ridden 3f out, stayed on same pace
pulled hard, led 2f at steady pace, stayed prominent, lost position over 3f out, weakened quickly 2f out, soon tailed off
held up in touch, hanging left bend and lost place over 5f out, never dangerous afterwards, one pace final 2f
steady start, held up behind, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off well over 1f out
Diego Cao wont be 50/1 to win this prize but the ex-French horse can go in again in spite of strong opposition from Magic Sting and Smoothly Does It. Gary Moore's charge may have been a big price at Sandown on his first start in this country but there was no fluke about it as the race was truly run and he was good enough on the day to take full advantage. Magic Sting was second in the premier claimer last time out on soft ground. He does not seem to win too often but he does go well for Hayley Turner so her return to the driving seat could work the oracle. Smoothly Does It is running well at present but didn't see out ten furlongs here earlier in the year and in spite of a low weight, that has to be a concern. Gavardlax has been highly tried in the past including a run in listed company behind Privy Seal in the Easter Stakes. This represents a severe drop in class and the market should give most clues. The handicapper has had not had a chance to look at Diego Cao so we will row in again while the iron is hot.
