Starter Optional Claiming

Chart notes

WATERING got caught four-wide into the first turn, was a bit keen and taken five wide for the run down the backstretch, moved up to engage BEST PERFORMER before the far turn, pulled clear of the rest and dueled that rival from that point through the stretch, bested that one late, and went clear in the final yards. BEST PERFORMER gained the early advantage with inside position and good speed into the first turn, hooked up with WATERING from the half-mile pole, dueled gamely through the stretch, and gave way grudgingly in the final furlong. ROSIEONTHERIVER broke in a tangle, then got over to the inside after the poor start, was a bit rank turning onto the backstretch, advanced from the half-mile pole and through the turn, gave futile chase of the top pair through the stretch to take the third prize, finishing well clear of the next horse. GIRL THIRSTY was unhurried from the start, settled well behind the field through the first half-mile, and made a mild late run to improve, but was never a serious threat. PHAROAHS BABY GYAL raced close up early, was unable to kick on with the top two midway through the turn, and had little to offer in the stretch. FORGOTTEN FORTUNE came away well and vied three wide into the first turn, raced close up to the half, then started to fall back through the field, and lost interest on the far turn. ROAR OF SILENCE pressed the early pace from the two-path, dropped out near the half-mile pole and was uninvolved in the late stages.