tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
held up in rear, effort over 1f out, never dangerous
slowly away, in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on to take 3rd towards finish
held up in touch, took keen hold, edged left over 2f out, soon headway, led inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd inside final furlong, held towards finish
Markab enjoyed his finest hour when landing the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup over C&D in September 2010. The disappointing Regal Parade was back in sixth that day and last year's Ayr Gold Cup winner Our Jonathan last of the 13 runners, though the latter was progressive subsequently. Henry Candy's veteran showed he retained plenty of ability when second in a Group 3 at Newbury last July but may just need this whereas MEDICEAN MAN should be cherry-ripe now after a couple of outings. Jeremy Gask's charge does tend to reserve his best for Ascot but the ground was too soft for him at Newbury last time and the step back up to 6f should suit.
Cheviot (USA) 40-1 (9-5) Pressed leader, ridden and every chance 1f out, no extra and lost 3rd near finish, 4th of 10, 5l behind Mayson (9-5) at Newmarket 6f Listed stks 3yo (1) gs in Apr.
Markab 11-4fav (9-0) Led centre group, led overall over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Monsieur Chevalier (9-0) at Goodwood 6f Listed stks 3yo (1) gs in Sep.
Medicean Man 7-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 6l behind Mirza (8-7) at Newbury 5f hcp (2) sft in Apr.
Morache Music 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, no extra from well over 1f out, 9th of 14, 12l behind Eton Rifles (9-4) at Curragh 6f Listed stks (1) sft in Oct.
Our Jonathan 11-4fav (9-3) In touch, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 16, 9l behind Sirius Prospect (9-3) at Doncaster 6f Listed stks 3yo (1) sft in Nov.
Regal Parade 8-1 (8-13) 9th of 11, 10l behind Soul (9-3) at Meydan(UAE) 6f hcp gd in Mar.