always in the rear
towards rear, effort halfway, no impression
in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, led 1f out, ridden out
chased leaders, ridden to lead approaching 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra
slowly into stride, towards rear, weakened over 3f out
led, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
El Alamein, Winds of Change and Citelle look the trio to concentrate on and El Alamein is recommended. The recent history of handicapping has been dominated by Sir Mark Prescott and the trainer looks to have engineered another "handicap" good thing with this improving three-year-old. The step up to 11 furlongs seemed to work the oracle after three unsuccessful runs over shorter trips and with the handicapper only able to put up a minimal penalty - it is difficult to oppose. Winds Of Change could be anticipated to front run on this occasion although Prescott should have a line of form through Liberate. Citelle was tried under enterprising tactics at Southwell but did not get home after building an advantage so it will be fascinating to see what happens here. Stellenbosch has had plenty of chances in the past and looks difficult to place off his current mark. It is hard to oppose El Alamein so we will not seek to do so.
Archimboldo (USA) 25-1 (9-7) Mid-division, headway on outside 4f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Spring Dream (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Samurai Jack (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Took keen hold under restraint, headway on outside 4f out, no impression on leaders when hung left over 1f out, 5th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Gower Song (9-2) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) frm.
Stellenbosch (USA) 7-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Gower Song (9-2) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) frm.
Winds of Change 6-1jt-fav (8-13) Led, was headed over 2f out, hampered and switched left over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 13, 3l behind Liberate (8-4) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gd in May.
Mambo Sun 6-1jt-fav (8-8) Mid-division, effort over 2f, no impression, 10th of 13, 11l behind Liberate (8-4) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gd in May.
El Alamein (IRE) 2-1fav (9-4) Led 1f, chased leaders after, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, led again over 1f out, ran on, won at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) gf beating Coffin Dodger (7-11) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Citelle (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Arsad (9-0) at Southwell 1m 3f 3yo hcp (6) fbs.
