raced in 4th place, hard ridden 2f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner approaching final furlong, one pace
chased winner, hard ridden over 2f out, no impression when lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened final furlong
raced in 3rd, ridden from halfway, stayed on under pressure to chase winner briefly over 1f out, soon beaten
made all, driven along from over 2f out, stayed on well
in rear, stayed on under pressure to take modest 4th inside final furlong, no chance
Elshadi can get the better of Let The Lion Roar, with Mbosi booked for third ahead of Zouave and Geller. Marcus Tregoning has a good record in this contest, having sent out Ethmaar in 1999 and Nayef a year later to oblige on their debuts. With that in mind, Elshadi should be even sharper than they were, having already made a successful introduction at Beverley, where blinkers were fitted to stop him looking about. He overcame greenness to beat the favourite Sun Of Speed and although at first glance that form might not seem good enough, the trainer's record speaks for itself, and he is selected to follow up. Let The Lion Roar is a half-brother to John Dunlop's St Leger hero Millenary and shaped like a future top-class middle-distance prospect when making a successful debut at Newmarket. Kieren Fallon was impressed and keeps the ride, but being by Sadler's Wells, the chink in his armour might be the fast ground. He nevertheless remains an exciting prospect and can be followed next year. Mbosi's stable sent out Fight Your Corner to land this event two years ago so Mark Johnston's runner should not be totally discounted. However, his Thirsk maiden win does not appear to give him solid enough claims, and although Let The Lion Roar will be a popular choice, we fancy Elshadi to spike his claws and give Marcus Tregoning a third victory in what is always an informative race.
