tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on one pace
led, pushed along and headed 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
close up in rear, pushed along 5f out, wide and headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, switched right over 2f out, led 2f out, ridden out
NonRunner
Majestic Dawn improved in the autumn but this may be a step too far while Certain Lad has been off the track for 18 months, though is a Group 3 winner. Solid Stone ended last season with a couple of victories in Group 3 company and looks sure to figure but MEGALLAN may have the edge in this. The Gosdens’ colt found only Hurricane Lane too good over today’s trip in last year’s Dante and should be spot on now with a recent second at Newmarket under his belt.
Certain Lad (9-1) 6th of 14, 2 3/4l behind Simsir (9-1) at Sakhir 1m 2f gd in Nov.
Majestic Dawn (IRE) 9-4 (9-4) Led and soon clear, ridden and reduced lead 2f out, driven inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Bay Bridge (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 2f lst stks (1) gd in Oct.
Megallan 9-4 (9-0) Led and set steady pace, quickened tempo 3f out, ridden over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, stayed on for clear 2nd, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Master Of The Seas (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 1f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Apr.
Solid Stone (IRE) 15-2 (8-13) Chased leaders, faded from 2f out, 10th of 14, 12l behind Authority (8-13) at Riyadh 1m 2f Grp 3 gf in Feb.
Al Aasy (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Held up off the pace in last trio, never a factor, 8th of 9, 15 1/2l behind Sealiway (9-1) at Ascot 1m 2f Grp 1 stks (1) gs in Oct.