pulled hard, led after 1f, driven over 2f out, soon strongly challenged, headed inside final furlong, weakened
slowly into stride, pulled hard in rear, never dangerous
led 1f, remained prominent, driven to challenge over 1f out, ran on strongly, not reached winner
always prominent, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on well
mid-division, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt, behind, pulled hard, some late headway, never nearer
held up in rear, outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, never on terms
The well-bred and expensive MAGIC OMEN was promising on debut and should improve for a yard notorious for progressing their charges so he gets the call in this maiden with Shamir and Aetos also on the list. With his price rising from $160,000 to $250,000 as a yearling it would appear that connections have high hopes for the selection who found just a red-hot favourite too good on debut. Mark Johnston usually brings his charges on nicely so we have every confidence this well-bred colt can go in this time. Shamir held his form well as a two-year-old promising that he can win a race like this especially with the form working out well from his last three runs. He has a very chance of getting on top on his belated re-appearance with fitness the only worry. Aetos shaped well on his own first start while looking in need of the outing although he will also have to prove fitness while Sayyedati Strom is the most interesting newcomer for a yard who have gone well with limited runners so far this winter. Plenty of these horses will win races but Magic Omen looks the best call to be the first.
Aetos 10-3 (9-0) In touch, pushed along when switched slightly right 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 9l behind Lowdown (9-0) at Goodwood 6f mdn stks (2) gd in Jul.
Amends (USA) Trippi colt out of Day Of Atonement.
Magic Omen (USA) 9-2 (8-10) Held up in touch, chased winner over 2f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Mawaddah (8-10) at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) pol.
Shamir 10-11fav (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 12, 2 1/4l behind Rumoush (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Green Secret Green Desert filly out of Kiralik.
Just Say Please 40-1 (8-12) Chased leader until over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 8l behind Edinburgh Knight (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
Sayyedati Storm (USA) Storm Cat filly out of Sayyedati.
Thereafter (USA) 8-1 (9-0) In touch, pushed along halfway, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 14, 8l behind Magic Doll (9-0) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) pol in Sep.
