tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened from 2f out
tracked leader, effort 2f out, kept on until weakened final furlong
steadied start, pulled hard in rear, always behind
slowly into stride, towards rear, reminders after 1f, mostly outpaced and never near leaders from halfway
held up, stayed on well from over 1f out, nearest finish
behind, ridden and outpaced 5f out, stayed on final furlong but no impression on winner
took keen hold in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch to halfway, soon ridden and weakened rapidly over 3f out
behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, never nearer
held up in touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on
prominent, ridden and not quicken over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, took keen hold in touch, ridden halfway and weakened quickly over 2f out
made all, kept steady pace, shaken up 2f out, ran on strongly final furlong, ridden out
A wide open bumper here and as usual in these types of events the market will be all important but the principals look to be Balanced Budget, Free Speech and Makderah and the tentative vote is given to Balanced Budget. The selection hails from a yard in top form and this well bred Mark of Esteem colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Bridge Loan is taken to make a winning debut. Free Speech rates the main danger being a King's Best colt, half-brother to 6f & 7f winner Quickfire and he should be closely watched in the market. Makderah at least has experience on his side and was a fair third behind Sindirana last time, he is sure to improve and should be noted in the market. This is a trappy affair and the market will give clues as to what is expected but for the winner we return to the well bred Balanced Budget.
Ashford Castle (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Started slowly, took keen hold, held up, not much room after 1f, ridden over 2f out, never on terms, 10th of 14, 13l behind Portland (9-3) at Warwick 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd.
Balanced Budget Mark of Esteem colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Bridge Loan.
Even Bolder Bold Edge gelding out of a lightly-raced racemare.
Free Speech King's Best colt, half-brother to 6f & 7f winner Quickfire.
His Honour (IRE) Grand Lodge gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m6f including the smart Riyadian.
Incidentally (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, kept on well inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 3l behind Regal Royale (8-11) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Jamaahir (USA) 11-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 14, 11l behind Shelhom (9-0) at Doncaster 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Mukaaber Pivotal colt, half-brother to 5f & 7f winner Presto Vento.
Numeric (GER) 2-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, soon every chance, weakened final furlong, 2nd of 10, 11l behind Dynacam (8-9) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 2yo mdn (5) hvy in Nov.
Rodeo 25-1 (8-11) Close up, ridden every chance over 1f, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1l behind Book Of Music (8-11) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Time Out (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) With leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 17, 14l behind Poseidon Adventure (9-0) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Zaif (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) In touch on rails, headway to chase leading pair and switched left over 1f out, chased winner approaching final furlong, stayed on under pressure, 2nd of 17, 3/4l behind Poseidon Adventure (9-0) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Makderah (IRE) 11-4fav (8-11) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, led over 1f out, ridden when headed and not quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 18, 4l behind Sindirana (8-11) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) gd in Oct.
