with leaders when unseated rider after 150 yards
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven and kept on well until headed final 75 yards, no impression
chased leaders on inner, ridden and stayed on one pace final 2f
chased leaders, led over 3f out, hampered by loose horse 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, soon driven and hung right and no extra inside final furlong
led until over 3f out, weakend quickly over 1f out
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, soon driven and beaten
held up in rear, moderate headway final furlong
took keen hold, held up rear of main group, ran green and ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead final 75 yards when going away
chased leaders on outside, hampered by loose horse over 1f out, soon switched right and kept on final furlong
held up rear of main group, pushed along and struggling final 3f
Several interesting newcomers can fight out the finish, with Sir Michael Stoute's Armada just edging the vote of confidence over Mustammer and Russian Dream, while Ahlawy also comes from a top yard and is very much respected. The last named cost 105,000gns and is a brother to Optimal - a 10-furlong winner as a three-year-old Sir Mark Prescott. The son of Green Desert is one to bear in mind as he gains in experience. Russian Dream is the first foal of a Saddler's Wells mare and looks the part on paper. His sire, Xaar, has produced several winners on an artificial surface, so he should act on the track. Again, he looks one to take notes on today. Mustammer carries the colours of Hamdan Al Maktoum and will be expected to start paying his way in due course. His stable's runners have been in need of a run, so a watching brief may also be the best policy on this occasion. However, Armada hails from a yard that are absolutely flying and, with several speedy types in his family, the son of Anabaa appeals the one most likely to be suited by a speed track like this.
Ahlawy (IRE) Green Desert colt, brother to 1m2f winner Optimal, half-brother to 1m4f-1m7f winner One Off.
Armada Anabaa gelding, brother to 6f-1m winner Tsigane and winning sprinter Trevise.
Beckett Hall (IRE) 7-2fav (9-0) Not handle track, in touch, ridden to chase leaders and hung left from 2f out, stayed on one pace under pressure, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Swan Maiden (8-9) at Epsom 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Doctor David 66-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden halfway, one pace final 2f, 6th of 13, 7l behind Akona Matata (10-0) at Kempton 1m mdn stk (4) pol in Mar.
Italian Romance 9-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 6l behind Tempsford Flyer (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Apr.
Misterbianco (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up, weakened well over 2f out, eased, last of 7, well behind Saville Road (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 3yo stk (4) gf in Apr.
Mustammer Fasliyev gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Russian Dream (IRE) Xaar gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Sa Nau Generous gelding, half-brother to winners up to 1m4f and over hurdles.
Steppe Dancer (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon recovered, keen, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 13, 3l behind Blue Grouse (8-9) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Oct.
Another Genepi (USA) 11-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Sir Gerard (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Oct.
Kapiolani (USA) 66-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, behind, never a factor, 10th of 15, 18l behind Pearly King (8-11) at Yarmouth 1m mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
Mrs Solese (IRE) Imperial Ballet filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
