tracked winner until over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride,in rear, switched wide over 3f out, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out
made all, ridden and ran on final furlong
tracked winner, challenged over 1f out, soon not pace of winner and lost 2nd post
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
raced wide in touch, went 3rd over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to go 2nd near finish
slowly into stride, pushed up to mid-division, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out
towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, never nearer
AL FARAHIDI was green on debut but still managed to only narrowly miss out on defeat so with him likely to improve for the outing we side with Mark Johnston's runner in this maiden, whilst Balducci should also come on from a promising debut and Mejd just about sets the standard. The pick showed a likeable attitude when just denied on his career opener and if he hadn't pulled away his chance early, he'd surely have won at the first time of asking. The horse did get the hang of things late on so providing he settles compensation awaits. Balducci also went close on debut after making a slow start. He too should have more to offer and a better break will see him in the vanguard. Mejd just about sets the standard after three improving runs but having finished behind the pick last time we don't expect the form to be reversed. Hatta Stream is nicely enough bred and merits a market check but after a good first run Al Farahidi gets the pick.
Hatta Stream (IRE) 10-3 (10-8) Mid-division, took keen hold, headway on inside 7f out, weakened 3f out, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind Pere Blanc (11-2) at Kempton 2m mdn NH flat (4) gd.
Liberty Point (IRE) Statue Of Liberty gelding out of Tragic Point.
Uncle Eli (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Held up in mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on, not troubled leaders, 6th of 12, 11l behind Vulcanite (8-5) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol.
Katie The Hatter (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, no impression, 8th of 14, 9l behind Erinjay (8-10) at Kempton 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Al Farahidi (USA) 10-1 (9-3) Pulled hard, led after 1f until 5f out, chased leader, led 1f out, stayed on well, headed near finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Merrqaad (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Balducci 8-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, switched left and headway over 1f out, ran on to chase winner over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Valid Reason (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Bin Shamardal (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, 8th into straight, no progress, 9th of 12, 9l behind Stags Leap (9-0) at Goodwood 7f mdn stks (2) sft in Aug.
Mejd (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Close up, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind Merrqaad (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Yashrid (USA) Rahy gelding out of Sheroog.
Adoyen Spice 20-1 (8-9) Started slowly, ran green, always behind, 12th of 13, 18l behind Tafawut (8-9) at Kempton 1m mdn fll (5) pol.
Eywa 25-1 (8-12) Slowly away, ran green, well in rear, came wide straight, some late headway, nearest finish, 7th of 13, 9l behind Edinburgh Knight (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
