slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders, effort and hung left over 1f out, stayed on close home
tracked leader, led over 3f out, soon driven, held on well
in touch, driven and hung left over 2f out, headway over 1f out, never on terms
led until over 3f out, soon weakened
Autograph Hunter can get the better of Sharpasmax in what looks a two-horse race on paper. On form this should develop into a match between the aforementioned pair, with preference for Mark Johnston's charge who appears to have benefited from a gelding operation since making his debut at York in May. Sent to Southwell for his return, he absolutely bolted up to the tune of eight-lengths, and although this surface is faster, he should have improved enough to take all the beating despite having to give 2lb to Sharpasmax. The latter also returned from a summer break to master his rivals over the course-and-distance a fortnight ago, but that affair was distinctly moderate, and he looks as though he needs to strengthen up, which he will do over the winter. For now though, we prefer to side with Autograph Hunter.
Autograph Hunter 14-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, led 2f out, soon drew clear, won at Southwell 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) fbs beating Leprechaun's Gold (9-3) by 8l, 8 ran.
Sharpazmax (IRE) 5-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway to join leaders halfway, led approaching final furlong, pushed out, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) pol beating First Buddy (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
My Jeanie (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) chased leaders until weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 11l behind Flower of Kent (9-0) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn fll (5) pol.
Sagassa 66-1 (8-7) Pressed leader until weakened 2f out, 10th of 11, 17l behind Guiseppe Verdi (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) pol in Oct.
