slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden well over 1f out, edged right but stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, stayed on from 2f out, never on terms
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, drew clear final furlong, comfortably
mid-division, headway 2f out, went 2nd 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner
slowly into stride, always towards rear
tracked winner and keen, ridden over 1f out, weakened close home
chased winner, ridden 2f out, no impression until stayed on inside final furlong
chased winner, ridden 2f out, no impression until stayed on inside final furlong
towards rear, stayed on from 2f out, never a factor
The Clive Cox-trained Count Krisko was unfortunate to come up against subsequent Champagne Stakes winner Etlaala on his Newbury debut, and is bound to be popular with backers, but may not represent much value and preference is for Esquire who gets the nod over Museeb. The last mentioned steps up in trip from six furlongs and, with the stable's youngsters normally improving with racing, he has to be respected. Mick Channon has his juveniles in good form at present so Rain Stops Play should improve for his first outing at Kempton, while Richard Hannon's Top The Charts showed ability on his debut and is another to consider. Sir Michael Stoute's newcomer Planet, who is by Soviet Star, is likely to do better over middle distances next term and of more interest among the debutants is the Barry Hills-trained Sparkwell. The son of Dansili is a half-brother to the useful 6f two-year-old winner Salcombe and could be of interest, particularly if the market speaks in his favour. The vote though goes to Esquire. The son of Dubai Millennium looked as though the run would do him good when midfield on his debut at Kempton over a mile. The drop to seven furlongs should suit Godolphin's colt who with improvement anticipated, may prove to be the answer to this contest.
