tracked leader until over 8f out, handy 3rd, led on inside 2f out, pushed readily clear final furlong
restless in stalls, slowly into stride, raced keenly, held up last, plugged on final furlong, never on terms
led, ridden and headed 2f out, stayed on same pace after, no chance with winner
tracked leading pair, went 2nd over 8f out, pushed along over 3f out, lost 2nd and one pace final 2f
Dubai Philosopher was beaten 11 lengths when third at Wolverhampton on his return and connections will be hoping this longer trip brings improvement. MIND THE CRACK also steps up in distance but was placed over 1m2f on a couple of occasions last year including at Newmarket in October and Mark Johnston’s charge has been gelded since. He gets the nod on these terms rated 12lb higher than Ydra with the latter’s stablemate Kalaya even harder to recommend.
Mind The Crack (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders when groups merged after 2f, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3l behind The Olympian (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 2f mdn stks (3) gd in Oct.
Dubai Philosopher (FR) 13-2 (8-13) Held up towards rear, headway on outside chasing leaders over 2f out, kept on in 3rd, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 12, 11 1/4l behind Muraad (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (5) pol in Apr.
Ydra 8-1 (9-11) Led, headed over 2f out, edged left and weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 16 1/4l behind Moon King (9-6) at Wetherby 1m 6f hcp (5) gs in May.
Kalaya (IRE) 33-1 (8-8) Towards rear, some late headway, 10th of 15, 11 3/4l behind Geizy Teizy (8-8) at Windsor 1m 2f stks (5) gd in May.
Little India (FR) 14-1 (9-6) Tracked winner over 4f, remained in 3rd place, ridden disputing well held 2nd 2f out, no chance with winner, 3rd of 4, 14l behind Agent Basterfield (9-2) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
