chased leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f
chased leaders in 4th, ridden to challenge and hung badly left over 1f out, kept on again inside final furlong, never quite able to mount a challenge
took keen hold, held up in last pair, no impression when hung left well over 1f out
soon slight lead, strongly pressed 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
dwelt, took keen hold and held up in last pair, pushed along and well outpaced final 2f
with leader, challenged 2f out, shaken up to lead over 1f out, in command final furlong and stayed on well
This is one of those contests where we wouldn't be surprised whatever wins it, but carrying our support will be CUMANA BAY, who we marginally prefer to Silent Hero and Sparkling Crystal. She's been raised seven pounds for winning a fillies' handicap at Newbury last month, which followed a couple of seconds. The win was over seven furlongs, but she's also won over the minimum trip and has shown her versatility in different conditions too. Silent Hero was a ready winner last time out too at Southwell, but this may prove to be a step up in class too much. he's only ever raced once at a mile, and was well down the field on that occasion. Sparkling Crystal has made a good start to the year, but remains a maiden after 11 races, however he's gaining weight all round and this could be his day for an in-form yard. However we'll side with Cumana Bay.
Smart Endeavour (USA) 13-2 (9-2) Chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 13l behind Kyllachy Star (8-11) at York 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
December Draw (IRE) 10-3fav (9-3) Mid-division, steady headway on outside from 3f out, chased leaders and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 2 3/4l behind Forte Dei Marmi (8-8) at Goodwood 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
Silent Hero 3-1fav (9-6) Raced wide, held up, headway 2f out, edged left over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Southwell 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Arachnophobia (9-3) by 2 3/4l, 14 ran.
Cumana Bay 7-4fav (9-2) Prominent, headway and going well from 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran to lead inside final furlong, readily, won at Newbury 7f (5) gf in May beating Bea Menace (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Doncosaque (IRE) 33-1 (9-5) Keen, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 6, 16l behind Mister Dee Bee (9-7) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Sparkling Crystal (IRE) 11-2 (9-4) Tracked leaders, chased winner over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Queen Martha (9-7) at Doncaster 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Thousand Miles (IRE) (8-11) 5th of 6, 11l behind Fuisse (9-2) at Maisons-laffitte(FR) 1m stk in May.
Statute Book (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Behind, ridden over 2f out, no progress, never dangerous, 9th of 13, 16l behind Love Pegasus (9-7) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
