soon led, pushed along and headed 2f out, beaten when slightly hampered well inside final furlong
held up, pushed along over 3f out, never on terms
led early, with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
in touch, headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd well inside final furlong, not troubled winner
pushed along 3f out, always behind
held up in touch, pushed along well over 2f out, never dangerous
with leaders, led 2f out, edged right well inside final furlong, kept on well
slowly into stride, held up in touch, edged slightly left 2f out, stayed on same pace
with leaders, pushed along 2f out, one pace
slowly away, held up, effort and switched left over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Only three of the 12 runners have raced previously so the chances are that this will go to one of the newcomers with Councellor getting what can only be a tentative vote over Financial Times and Liquid Lover. Financial Times represents the powerful Godolphin operation and is likely to head the betting market. While the son of Awesome Again undoubtedly warrants respect under Frankie Dettori, he is unlikely to represent much value in the ring and we would rather look elsewhere. Liquid Lover, a stablemate of the selection, is bred to appreciate a bit of cut in the ground, while another Hannon inmate Waatheb looks the third string on jockey bookings, so preference is for Richard Hannon's other runner Councellor. The American-bred colt is a half-brother to the useful half-brother to Sudden Squall and comes from a stable quite capable of producing a two-year-old fit first time up. Mick Channon's juveniles have been slow to come to hand this year so Dream Tonic may be best watched. Stablemate Master Joseph is entitled to improve for his debut run and represents the best form on offer of those to have raced previously but for the vote we side with Councellor.
