tracked leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, ran on
set steady pace, quickened over 3f out, ridden and headed well over 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, led well over 2f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, stayed on
African Dream had Mutawassel some way behind when landing Sandown's Classic Trial a fortnight ago and has to be respected despite a 3lb penalty but preference is for Always First. Sir Michael Stoute won this 12 months ago with Kris Kin, who went on to win the Vodafone Derby and, while Always First is not certain to get the trip at Epsom, a sharp 1m2f on soft ground would look to be ideal for the son of Barathea. The selection created a favourable impression when making a winning debut at Sandown in August and this well related colt is expected to step up on that effort today. African Dream has done nothing wrong since joining the stable of Peter Chapple-Hyam but this is by far his toughest assignment to date and may prove to be beyond him. Mutawassel, who has 11 lengths to find on Sandown running, was very green there and may do better now, while. He rates a bigger threat than Putra Sas, who was beaten over a mile in a conditions race on the same card. Being by Sri Pekan, he is not certain to stay today's longer trip. Yarmouth maiden winner Andean is held in high regard by trainer David Loder and could be interesting, while John Dunlop's Mutahayya should improve for the step up in distance and cannot be discounted. Always First makes plenty of appeal under the conditions though and is taken to follow in the hoof prints of stablemate Kris Kin.
