mid-division, effort over 3f out, never near to challenge
prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 4f out, soon outpaced
slowly into stride, took keen hold to go prominent, ridden over 1f out, soon beaten
mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon behind
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased winner final furlong
made all, quickened 2f out, driven out final furlong, comfortably
prominent, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up behind leaders, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, never a factor
Maraakeb can land this prize at the expense of Into The Dark and Conviction. John Gosden's representative produced an encouraging debut at Newmarket last year and with his breeding suggesting that he will make a better three-year-old, we will take him to produce a bold show from stall one. Into The Dark does not hold any fancy entries at this stage in his career so the market may prove the best guide to the Godolphin entrant. James Fanshawe's horses often improve for a run so Conviction is observed in the market in spite of a poor draw. Dune Raider was unfancied on debut for Sir Michael Stoute but was seen staying on in the closing stages at Newbury over the trip. Forged ran better than his odds of 33/1 suggested in a maiden at Chepstow. The second in that race has gone on to win a maiden since. Little Bob should prove the yardstick in this race as he has a BHB mark of 69. Not the strongest of maidens but a good opportunity for Maraakeb to get off the mark.