tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden clear entering final furlong, ran on
dwelt in rear, ridden over 3f out, never on terms
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
close up, pushed along and outpaced 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no threat to winner
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on one pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong
This trial last produced a Derby winner in 1939 and Sharp Sailor and Dance of Fire are not even entered in this year's classic yet. Both have plenty to find on today's terms while Irish raider Carbon Dating made only a modest debut in soft ground at Cork earlier this month. Future Empire must have a leading chance having been placed in the Autumn Stakes at Sandown and the Solario at Newmarket after that. This longer trip will suit but the unbeaten CHRISTOPHERMARLOWE makes more appeal. Currently 33/1 for the big one in June, he followed a maiden win with victory in a conditions race over a mile at this track in September and Frankie takes over the reins on his comeback.
Christophermarlowe (USA) 4-6fav (9-0) Tracked leading pair, pushed along over 3f out, headway on outside over 2f out, quickened to lead under hand riding inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Epsom Downs 1m 2yo stks (3) gd in Sep beating Good Contact (9-0) by 1l, 4 ran.
Carbon Dating (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Chased leader in 2nd, on terms 4f out, pushed along in 2nd entering straight, driven in 3rd under 3f out, ridden under 2f out, kept on one pace 1f out, 5th of 11, 12l behind Summaya (9-0) at Cork 1m 2f 3yo mdn hvy.
Dance Of Fire 10-3 (8-8) Led, ridden when hard pressed over 1f out, headed final 100 yards, kept on, held near finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Dark Wave (8-7) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Mar.
Future Empire 11-4fav (9-1) Keen early, tracked leaders, driven 3f out, soon lost place, ridden and rallied over 1f out, kept on to take 3rd inside final furlong, not reach front pair, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Commemorative (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Oct.
Sharp Sailor (USA) 4-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Festive Fare (8-11) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (3) pol in Feb.