made all, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well (hand timed)
tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, lost place over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
mid-division on outside, driven over 2f out, never on terms, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden 2f out, never a threat
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, never reached leaders
behind, outpaced 2f out, never involved
behind, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no impression
mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to chase front pair, kept on same pace inside final furlong, no impression
tracked winner, ridden inside final 2f, kept on under pressure final furlong, always held
Donjuan Triumphant and Mitchum Swagger have both been competing in Group races. The former has every chance on his earlier second in France while the latter was narrowly beaten in a Group 3 at Haydock in September. Last year’s winner Chookie Royale has a recent comeback run under his belt and cannot be discounted but Gabriel's Lad has a tough task on his first start of the year. The remainder have a bit to find on these terms including the fragile FAYDHAN, but connections have persevered with him despite just the one start in each of the last three years and he may finally reward their patience today.
Chookie Royale 10-1 (9-7) Restless in stalls, soon got over to lead, headed over 3f out, chased leader until inside final 2f, ridden and weakened quickly over 1f out, last of 8, 9 1/4l behind Lord Of The Land (9-2) at Kempton 6f stks (3) pol in Oct.
Emell 50-1 (9-2) Race far side, chased leader, every chance 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong, 8th of 19, 3 1/4l behind Yuften (9-1) at Ascot 1m hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Faydhan (USA) 6-1 (9-8) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never a factor, 7th of 14, 6 1/4l behind Lord Of The Land (9-10) at Lingfield 7f hcp (2) pol in Oct.
Gabriel's Lad (IRE) 20-1 (9-6) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, never involved, 19th of 20, 22 1/4l behind Musaddas (8-7) at Ascot 1m hcp (2) gs in Oct.
Mitchum Swagger 33-1 (9-4) Raced towards far side, always towards rear, never a factor, 12th of 13, 16 1/4l behind Minding (8-12) at Ascot 1m Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Oct.
Quixote (GER) 20-1 (9-7) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never a factor, 7th of 10, 8l behind El Vip (8-12) at Leicester 1m hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Valbchek (IRE) (8-13) 4th of 12, 3/4l behind Lucky Team (8-13) at Deauville 6f stks pol in Oct.
Donjuan Triumphant (IRE) 40-1 (9-1) Restless in stalls, dwelt, soon recoverd chasing leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened inside final 2f, soon behind, last of 13, 15 3/4l behind The Tin Man (9-2) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Oct.
Golden Amber (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 12, 5 1/2l behind Boomerang Bob (9-0) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (3) pol in Oct.