led 1f, with leader, led again over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on
held up, headway 6f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, soon recovered, led after 1f, headed over 3f out, weakened quickly
keen, in touch, joined leaders 6f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, headway over 4f out, ridden to chase winner 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
held up, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
keen, in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no chance with winner
A tricky and interesting race in which Munfarid gets the vote ahead of Luxi River, Estimate and, possibly, Dareneur. The selection is a little hard to assess as this will be his first run in this country. However, he has shown enough promise in Irish maidens to be given the nomination here, although keep a respectful eye on the betting market. Exit To Heaven has some placed efforts both here and at Southwell to her name at around the high 50s mark which gives her claims, although she was disappointing on her latest outing. Estimate would hold a chance if repeating her Pontefract second in September and, fairly lightly-raced, she might have some improvement in her. Watch the market with regard to the well-bred Aga Kahn cast-off Dareneur, while Luxi River is also very well bred and was keeping on in a Roscommon handicap last time, his first try at today's trip. Of the others, Cool Bathwick has regressed since a very promising effort at Bath in July 2002.Overall, then, in a race that carries plenty of interest, we'll side with Munfarid.
