soon led, ran out bend over 4f out, almost pulled up, no chance afterwards and tailed off
behind, headway 2f out and not clear run, hampered over 1f out, kept on, not reached leaders
held up mid-division, under pressure 3f out, kept on but not pace to trouble leaders
slowly into stride, towards rear, pressed leader over 4f out, every chance 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
slowly into stride, pulled hard towards rear, headway and in touch 3f out, soon ridden and beaten over 2f out
behind, left in lead narrowly over 4f out, headed just over 1f out, stayed pressing winner final furlong but held towards finish
pulled hard in touch, hampered bend over 4f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, soon one pace and no extra final furlong
held up mid-division, carried wide bend over 4f out, headway 3f out, led just over 1f out, stayed on and held on well near finish
raced wide in touch, hampered bend over 4f out, effort 2f out, hard ridden and one pace final furlong
tracked leader, carried wide bend over 4f out, stayed in touch until weakened 2f out
very slowly into stride, always outpaced in rear, well behind final 2f
prominent, hampered bend and lost place over 4f out, not recover, soon tailed off
Not the strongest of maidens to open the card can fall to Croix Rougue, who is preferred on this occasion to Speightstown from those with experience, while Gabanna makes plenty of appeal on pedigree as one to watch for future reference. The Godolphin-owned runner cost $1,200,000 when he went through the sales ring and obviously has an eye-catching physique. The son of Kingmambo is related to several high-class performers and will be expected to be paying his way sooner rather than later. As a Derby entry, it is right to assume that this trip will be the absolute minimum for him though, and a close eye on the betting will be the best policy to take out before getting involved with him today. The fact that he is entered for a couple of similar races later in the week does suggest that a contingency plan has been put in place for him. Therefore, he is probably best watched this time around. Speightstown has shaped as if there are races to be won with him and he can figure prominently if he puts in a similar effort to his recent performance in defeat at Nottingham. Godolphin have a line of form with him and it will be very interesting to note how the market is framed. Nevertheless, Croix Rougue - a half-brother to Kentucky Oaks winner Flute - made a really pleasing debut at Warwick and sets a good standard here. Amanda Perrett is always to be respected with her runners at this course and she can get one over on the boys in blue if her charge has strengthened up only slightly from the last time we saw him in action.
