held up in rear, headway to chase leaders 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not pace of winner
held up in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out final furlong
tracked leader, led 4f out, headed over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong
held up in rear, never dangerous
led at good pace, headed halfway, chased leader after, kept on under pressure final furlong
chased leaders in touch, hard ridden 3f out, no impression final 2f
A most competitive heat and not many can confidently be ruled out. Bourgainville deserved to get his head in front after some consistent efforts last term, and finally gained his reward on his reappearance at Ascot. Martin Dwyer was credited with giving him a well-judged ride on that occasion and the less forceful tactics could be the key to him. He should have come on for the run and remains open to further improvement still. The underfoot conditions will play a part in the challenge of Priors Lodge, as he is thought to be a much better horse on a firm surface. But he has failed to impress in his two outings so far this term and has a little to prove. Suggestive has to be feared on what he has shown so far and there was plenty to like about him when he was last seen out in public at Yarmouth last May. But he subsequently injured a tendon and he may be best watched this time around. Father Thames and Wannabe Around should also not be underestimated; but Superiority raced in top-class-company during his latest spell in Dubai and could be the one to spoil the party for Bourgainville if the hold up-tactics fail to have the same effect in what should be a truly run contest.
