raced keenly, chased leaders, pushed along 2f out, weakened 1f out
towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, never dangerous
always towards rear
mid-division, pushed along 3f out, soon struggling
took keen hold, midfield, pushed along 2f out, carried left inside final furlong, kept on one pace
chased leaders, headway to challenge and joined winner 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, no extra and lost two places final 50yds
led, pushed along and headed 2f out, faded 1f out
chased leaders, pushed along to challenge over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third final strides
close up, led 2f out, soon ridden, joined 1f out, ran on gamely final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, ran on well to go second final 50yds
missed break, always towards rear
The betting suggested FOX MASTER would go close here on his debut and he duly made a winning start over today’s trip. Roger Varian’s charge is preferred to the other penalised winner Great State. The latter scored over the minimum distance at Wolverhampton in November but the third has subsequently won but Engelbert has plenty to find with the selection. Ayr runner-up Quintus Arrius returns to action with headgear fitted while Saracen Head also returns from a lay-off.
Bolt From The Blue (USA) 33-1 (8-8) Pulled, dueled inside, 4th of 9, 6l behind Napoleonic War (8-8) at Tampa Bay Downs 1m mdn gd in Jan.
Beast Of Burden Elzaam filly out of Katie Elder.
Bessah 80-1 (9-9) Always in rear, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 5, 24 1/2l behind Golden Voice (9-1) at Newcastle 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Apr.
Milky Teal Milk It Mick M out of Tealstoken Girl.
Fox Master 6-5fav (9-0) In touch in mid-division, headway over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Newcastle 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan beating Colnago (9-0) by hd, 9 ran.
Great State 9-4 (9-7) Chased leaders, good headway on inside over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Wolverhampton 5f stks (5) pol in Nov beating Soaring Eagle (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Eccles Street (IRE) 18-1 (8-10) Set steady pace, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 5 1/4l behind Glen Buck (10-2) at Newcastle 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
Engelbert 5-2 (9-0) In touch in mid-division, lost place 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, eyecatcher, 5th of 9, 3 1/4l behind Fox Master (9-0) at Newcastle 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
Quintus Arrius (IRE) 17-2 (9-4) Chased leaders in centre, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, weakened soon after, 6th of 15, 6 1/4l behind Yorkshire (9-4) at Redcar 6f stks (5) gs in Oct.
Saracen Head 10-3 (9-7) Chased leaders on rail, pushed along halfway, weakened inside final 2f, 5th of 6, 4 1/4l behind Paddy's Day (9-7) at Windsor 6f stks (4) gf in May.
Heart Of Sofia (IRE) 66-1 (9-2) Awkward and squeezed out start, towards rear mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no progress, 8th of 14, 7 3/4l behind Hougoumont (9-5) at Newcastle 6f stks (5) pol in Aug.