keen hold, steadied behind leaders, effort to chase winner over 1f out, hard driven and no impression when lost 2nd final 50 yards
settled in close 5th, effort and driven over 1f out, not pace to challenge, went 2nd final 50 yards, no impression
raced freely, made virtually all, quickened 2 lengths clear over 1f out, in no danger when eased near finish
tracked leading pair, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, no danger after
chased winner, upsides 4f out until ridden 2f out and weakened over 1f out
A disappointing turnout in terms of numbers for the Greenham with just the quintet of runners but there is plenty of quality about with Coventry Stakes winner Red Clubs making his return; however, preference is for Marcus Andronicus, with Assertive rated the best of the remainder. Red Clubs had a busy campaign last term and, while obviously warranting plenty of respect, he may struggle to confirm York form with the selection who has always looked likely to make a better three-year-old than he did a two-year-old. Andre Fabre's Reve Lunaire failed to progress from his debut outing and is probably best watched, while Mick Channon's Zato is more exposed than most and is hard to recommend. A bigger threat is likely to come from Assertive, who had some solid form as a juvenile and hails from a yard that has started the season in reasonable form. Marcus Andronicus is bred to come into his own this term though and is taken to get the Aidan O'Brien stable on a roll with their classic pretenders.
Assertive 11-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Amadeus Wolf (8-11) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Marcus Andronicus (USA) 3-1jt-fav (8-9) Held up behind leaders, ridden over 1f out, not much room and hampered approaching final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Manston (8-9) at Doncaster 6f 2yo lst stk (1) hvy in Oct.
Red Clubs (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, switched right and headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, soon headed and weakened, 4th of 8, 5l behind Sir Percy (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 1 (1) gs in Oct.
Reve Lunaire (USA) (9-2) In touch, one pace under pressure, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Marchand D'or (8-9) at Compiegne 7f stk in Mar.
Zato (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Close To You (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo lst stk (1) pol.