led 2f, tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
keen, close up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd near finish, no threat to winner
keen, tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression and lost 2nd near finish
raced wide, keen, tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led after 2f, quickened clear over 1f out, eased inside final furlong
A runner-up at Sandown last year, Obsidian has to concede plenty of weight to the younger horses. They include Dark Deed, a close-up third at Kempton in November, and Stars And Stripes who went close at Newmarket. The latter pair should both go well but STORM THE STARS has a recent outing under his belt and looks set to make amends for returning a losing favourite at Newmarket earlier this month. Rib Reserve looks his yard's second choice and Sthenic is preferred to Star Storm of the newcomers.
Obsidian (USA) 6-4 (9-5) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd travelling well 3f out, ridden and found nil over 1f out, weakened quickly and eased final furlong, 5th of 7, 18l behind Astronereus (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) sft in Jul.
Dark Deed 8-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, nudged out, ran on, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind Pacify (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Nov.
Rib Reserve (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Always in rear, 14th of 16, 22l behind Rare Rhythm (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) sft in Oct.
Stars And Stripes 7-1 (8-11) Tracked leader 2f, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, headway to lead inside final furlong, headed and not pace of winner close home, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Suddyan (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Storm The Stars (USA) 15-8fav (9-5) Steadied start held up towards rear, pushed along and headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, never near leaders, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Global Force (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf.
Star Storm (IRE) Sea The Stars colt out of Sayyedati Storm.
Sthenic (FR) Fastnet Rock colt out of Ela's Giant.