toward rear, ridden 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, led over 4f out, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, always behind
mid-division, driven along after 2f, one pace final furlong
led, headed over 4f out, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on towards finish
in touch, ridden over 2f out inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway to take 2nd inside final furlong, ran on towards finish
held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well under pressure inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders until hampered and lost place at 2f, ridden over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, never dangerous
dwelt, towards rear, ridden over 1f out, not much room entering final furlong, stayed on inside final furlong
always behind and outpaced
chased leaders early, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
Race conditions look ideal for Mutawaqed as he bids to follow up last season's victory in this race and he is fancied to reverse recent form with Native Title, who is 4lb worse off with the selection for a length and a half. Others to consider include: Cd Flyer and Bygone Days, who have both gone well with cut in the ground in the past and are worth noting in the betting. Whereas Ellens Academy is not out of this if he can build on what was a promising performance at Doncaster last time. He has won off similar marks in the past and should not be ruled out too quickly. That said, his wins to runs ratio is very poor for horse of his ability and he may again find a few more determined in a finish. Tactics are also likely to play their part again and, as a position near the far rail could also be instrumental in Fantasy Believer seizing the initiative, he is a likely candidate to ensure they go a good clip if the pace-setters begin to tire at halfway on this ground. The John Quinn-trained gelding, who has won over seven furlongs here in the past, is ideally suited by a strong pace - that will bring his stamina into play as things unfold. However, this scenario will play straight into the hands of Eddie Ahern, who played a similar waiting game when delivering Mutawaqed with a late rattle to win this last year. A high draw was of no consequence to the Zafonic gelding on that occasion and, with Epsom form hinting that Mutqwaqed is in fine fettle at the moment, an 8lb higher mark is not an insurmountable barrier to the in-form gelding.
