tracked leader until 5f out, remained close up, hung right over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
close up, chased leader 5f out, ridden and led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on
held up, pushed along over 3f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden and headway from over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
In a very interesting handicap, Danehill Dazzler, Humble Opinion, Infatuate and Taakeed were all considered, but the vote goes to Eqdaam. Eqdaam, who won here as a two-year-old and came back to form this time around last-time out when a staying on third at Sandown. Now that connections seem to have established this as his trip, he can go well tonight off what seems a very fair mark. The lightly-raced Danehill Dazzler's form is solid and he rates a good mention, as does Humble Opinion, who was just touched off at Newbury last week, a repeat of which puts him on the premises. Infatuate's course and distance maiden win has been boosted by the runner-up winning since, so he is afforded all due respect, while the Michael Jarvis-trained Taakeed is a danger to all following his third in a valuable Haydock handicap. Groomsman won well over course and distance last time, but that victory came in a modest claimer, but the drop in trip today from last time could show Hanseatic League in a better light and he can go well. Finally, Dry Ice showed promise last season but might be best watched on his seasonal return. Overall, though, we will side with Eqdaam.
Taakeed 10-1 (8-12) With winner, ridden over 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 17, 2l behind Balavista (9-9) at Haydock 1m hcp (3) gd.
Humble Opinion 5-2fav (9-4) Held up, smooth headway from 2f out, led just inside final furlong, soon headed and outbattled by winner, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Goodwood Spirit (9-1) at Newbury 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Dry Ice (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Chased leaders over 5f, 8th of 14, 11l behind Moon Forest (8-7) at Newbury 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (D3) sft in Oct.
Danehill Dazzler (IRE) 4-1fav (8-9) Started slowly, mid-division, chased leaders 2f out, kept on but not pace to challenge, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Coup d'Etat (8-12) at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Eqdaam (USA) 14-1 (9-0) Held up behind, outpaced from 3f out, switched right over 1f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble first 2, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Desert Chief (9-0) at Sandown 1m 3yo stk 0-80 (4) gf.
Hanseatic League (USA) 13-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 8, 5l behind Sacranun (9-2) at Pontefract 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Aiguille (USA) 15-2 (9-0) Held up behind, headway from 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Macaulay (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf.
Infatuate 15-2 (9-0) Soon led, headed 6f out, led again over 2f out, all out, won at Leicester 1m 3yo mdn aut (5) gd in May beating Dansili Dancer (8-9) by a nk, 14 ran.
