tracked leaders, effort 2f out, one pace
in rear, ridden well over 1f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders and hung left, shaken up to lead over 1f out, soon hung badly left, kept on well
led to halfway, soon ridden and weakened
chased leader, led halfway, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong
Majuba can provide Kevin Ryan with his third winner of this race in four years; newcomer Masamah is bred to be fast and could pose most problems. The selection missed the break and got tired on debut but travelled well and confirmed that good impression when going close at Doncaster last time. He needs to improve again to win this but his trainer's record in the race increases confidence in his chances of doing so. Grand Honour has his work cut out giving weight away all round whilst Steel Stockbroker has a good bit to find but Carabola has to be feared. Mel Brittain has enjoyed a fine start to the season and this filly won decisively at Ripon and should progress further. Masamah's pedigree shouts speed and it will be interesting to see whether he attracts support on his racecourse bow and how he responds to the experience given that he's making his debut in blinkers. His yard's runners often improve for their initial experience though and we'll take Majuba to enhance his trainer's record in the race.
Grand Honour (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, not pace to challenge, 4th of 7, 6l behind Baycat (9-1) at Ascot 5f 2yo stk (3) gs in Apr.
Majuba (USA) 8-13fav (9-3) Led, ridden over 1f out, no extra when headed close home, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Daisy Moses (8-12) at Doncaster 5f 2yo mdn (5) gs.
Masamah (IRE) Exceed And Excel colt, half-brother to winning sprinter Fluttering Rose.
Steel Stockholder 13-2 (8-10) In touch, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 5l behind Able Master (8-12) at Ripon 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gd.
Caranbola 9-2 (8-4) Made all, ridden entering final furlong, stayed on well towards finish, won at Ripon 5f 2yo fll mdn aut (5) gd in Apr beating Meg Jicaro (8-4) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.