tracked leaders, wide and effort 2f out, soon driven, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, kept on towards finish
tracked winner until ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, never a factor
went right start, in rear, ridden and kept on final furlong, never nearer
made all, ridden and quickened 3 lengths clear approaching final furlong, stayed on gamely towards finish
tracked leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out
STARGAZE takes a big drop in grade ahead of his debut for Alan Bailey and should convert this straightforward opportunity from Robust Wish and American Agent. The selection was last seen running in the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes when trained by Andrew Balding and on that form, when just four lengths behind the classy Awzaan, he looks difficult to oppose here despite having to give weight to all of his rivals. It is a concern that the colt has switched yards and today's trip of seven furlongs is as far as he'll have ever raced but both those doubts are outweighed by the lack of strength in opposition and indeed the two-year-old has looked as though a step up in trip might help bring about some improvement. Robust Wish won cosily last time out and this nicely bred gelding should improve further with racing so he rates solid forecast material. That maiden victory came over today's trip and whilst the horse hasn't raced at Lingfield before it isn't expected to pose any problems. American Agent is an interesting newcomer on paper and may be able to run a big race on debut. The US bred colt is out of a Storm Cat mare and should be at home in today¿s conditions so if the market speaks in favour of Paul Cole's inmate it may pay to take notice. Minortransgression is another interesting newcomer from the Gary Moore yard. This one doesn't hold quite as compelling credentials on paper but is afforded respect anyway in a contest that is perhaps not particularly strong beyond the favourite and again the market will reveal more. Of the others with experience Kai Mook has reasonable each way prospects having steadily improved with racing. The filly ran well last time and holds one of the more solid chances on official ratings so enters calculations but the feeling is she'll do well to trouble the judge here, as will Exceedthewildman who won a nursery two starts back but is asked a much tougher question now. Not the strongest of contests for the money and one at the mercy of Stargaze.
Stargaze (IRE) 10-1 (9-1) Chased leader, edging left from halfway, soon pushed along, weakened over 1f out, beaten when not much room inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 4l behind Awzaan (9-1) at Newbury 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Sep.
Exceedthewildman 6-1 (9-1) Dwelt, soon tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, unable to quicken final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Lisahane Bog (8-12) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol.
American Agent (USA) Eavesdropper colt out of Storm Season.
Minortransgression (USA) Yes It's True gelding out of Casting Pearls.
Kai Mook 16-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner well over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Lady Of Akita (9-0) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn fll stks (5) pol.
One Cool Slash (IRE) 100-1 (8-12) In rear, ridden halfway, never near leaders, 7th of 8, 13l behind Jarrow (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Robust Wish (USA) 8-11fav (9-3) Chased leaders, headway on inside to lead over 1f out, clear when ridden inside final furlong, won at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov beating Seamster (9-3) by 5l, 10 ran.
