Straight Face made all, ridden over 2f out, edged right 1f out, held on
Balerno held up towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, switched left inside final furlong, ran on well, just failed
Stargazy in touch, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on under pressure, lost 2nd inside final furlong
Shosolosa held up behind, headway just over 2f out, chased leading trio just over 1f out, no impression
Fun In The Sun took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Border Artist chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, soon pushed along, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened
Chasing Memories reared in stalls and slowly away, ridden and headway 4f out, no headway when short of room and snatched up just over 2f out
Tuning Fork took keen hold, chased leader until over 2f out, soon weakened
Analyis of the race
STRAIGHT FACE coped with a slight step up to maintain his fine recent form and complete a hat-trick.
In command on the homeward turn, the top weight looked set to score comfortably but in the end just held on from the strong-finishing Balerno.
His connections will no doubt look for a quick opportunity to strike again, as he looks set for another move up the ratings, taking into account that the first three in this finished clear.
Balerno, a confirmed hold-up horse, might have prevailed but for hanging, off what was his lowest mark for almost four years. His recent efforts had been better than the figures suggested and with any luck he should soon break a long losing sequence.
Shosolosa probably found this an inadequate distance. Fun In The Sun held every chance two out only to quickly beat aretreat.
Tote
Tote Win: 2.5
Tote place (1): 1.1
Tote place (2): 3.4
Exacta: 13.3
CSF: 18.9
Total SP: 119
Further Information
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