Verdict

The well-bred Marmooq gets the call over Collateral Damage, who looks the pick rest of those with experience, while Blue Mirage is open to any amount of improvement and have to be considered a live danger. Grand Opera also has a race within him and is one to bear in mind for a minor handicap in future. Blue Mirage looks a lesser light for Godolphin but he should have benefited from his introduction at Warwick last month. A more patient ride will give his connections a better gauge of his abilities and it will noteworthy to see how he fares. Collateral Damage sets a decent standard on what they have shown so far and although he is beginning to look exposed, he is an honest type that can be relied upon to give his all one more. The son of Orpen can ensure that this is good test for the rest. However, Marmooq - a half-brother to Etlaala and Selective - caught the eye near the finish on his debut. He missed the break on that occasion but was staying on stoutly once the penny dropped. Mark Johnston's horses have a tendency to improve greatly from their first starts and a bold bid is anticipated from Marmooq this afternoon.

Formwatch

Blue Mirage (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Prominent, ridden to chase leader 2f out, one pace from 1f out, 4th of 10, 10l behind Military Cross (8-11) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.

Collateral Damage (IRE) 7-4fav (9-0) In touch, ridden to challenge when edged left, over 1f out, every chance until no extra near finish, 3rd of 18, hd behind Crosby Vision (9-0) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.

Genau (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Slowly away, behind, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 11, 5l behind Gallery Girl (8-6) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.

Grand Opera (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, every chance final furlong, no extra, 5th of 7, 3l behind Jaad (9-0) at Carlisle 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Sept.

King of Chav's (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 12, 14l behind Merveilles (9-0) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Sept.

Marmooq 7-1 (9-0) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Greek Secret (9-0) at Newcastle 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Sept.

Next Ness (IRE) 50-1 (8-13) Never better than mid-division, 9th of 15, 11l behind Musical Guest (9-6) at Carlisle 6f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept.

O'Tara (IRE) Danehill colt, half-brother to several winners.

Considerthelilies (IRE) 50-1 (8-9) Bumped start, soon mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 6l behind Mimiteh (8-6) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Sept.

Guanyin Zaha filly, full sister to 7f winner Spanish Law.

Mandarin Grand (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 8l behind Mystified (8-8) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo sll (5) gf in Aug.

Sunderland Echo (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 11, 13l behind Flor Y Nata (8-9) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Jun.