ZOZIMUS doesn’t look an easy ride but he had no luck in-running when a length-and-a-half behind the more straightforward Hafeet Alain at York latest. He is 3lb better off with the winner and a first win on Turf is long overdue. Dashing Roger would have a chance on his easy victory on heavy going at Nottingham and Metal Merchant was also a winner last time. Mr Professor was second at Hamilton at the start of the month having won earlier at Goodwood and makes most appeal of the remainder.
Hafeet Alain (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Prominent, shaken up to challenge 2f out, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, ran on well, won at York 1m hcp (2) sft in Oct beating Northern Express (9-9) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Mr Professor (IRE) 10-3 (10-4) Prominent, headway to press leader over 2f out where ridden, soon chased new leader, kept on inside final furlong but no match for ready winner, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Botanical (9-9) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Dashing Roger 7-2fav (9-13) Led, a length ahead 3f out, soon ridden, 2 lengths clear 2f out, extended advantage approaching final furlong, stayed on well inside final furlong, pushed out near finish, easily, won at Nottingham 1m hcp (4) hvy in Oct beating In The Trenches (9-7) by 5 1/2l, 10 ran.
Metal Merchant (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, good headway near side rail over 2f out, went 2nd inside final 2f, strong challenge throughout final furlong, led post, won at Ascot 1m stks (3) gd in Oct beating Jeff Koons (9-4) by ns, 8 ran.
Zozimus (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) Midfield, going ok and waiting for room over 1f out, switched left and ridden once in the clear inside final furlong, briefly went third towards finish, 4th of 12, 1 1/4l behind Hafeet Alain (8-13) at York 1m hcp (2) sft in Oct.
Gincident (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Chased leader, pushed along 3f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 8, 4l behind Sparks Fly (9-10) at Ayr 1m hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Raising Sand 18-1 (9-7) Held up in rear, moderate headway over 1f out, never involved, 5th of 8, 11l behind Metal Merchant (9-4) at Ascot 1m stks (3) gd in Oct.
Carolus Magnus (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Mid-division, took keen hold, headway over 1f out, unable to make any impression on leaders, 6th of 12, 5 1/4l behind Certain Lad (9-10) at York 1m 2f hcp (2) sft in Oct.
