dwelt and awkward start, tracked leaders, led halfway, hung left from over 1f out, ridden out
chased leaders, outpaced well over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never troubled winner
steadied start, raced in rear but in touch, pushed along halfway, soon struggling and beaten
tracked leaders, keen hold, hard driven to challenge over 1f out, soon carried left, kept on same pace
held up in touch, lost place well over 2f out
AFSARE shaped really nicely on debut for a yard that never have their newcomers fully wound up so is taken to win here ahead of Conceptual Art and Squall. Luca Cumani's Dubawi colt showed signs of greenness at Kempton earlier in the month when second to Eton Forever and the experience will not have been lost on him. He was halved in price in the market before the off so obviously a big run was anticipated but a bare repeat of that may be good enough to take this. Battle Honour needs to step up on his maiden run here behind Quick Wit, Conceptual Art looked in need of the experience at Lingfield on debut, whilst Dhaafer is an interesting newcomer as several of his relations were quick to find the winners' enclosure. Linnens Star and Sir Sandford are both newcomers to keep an eye on, whilst Squall has two solid runs to his name but he needs to settle better in order to play a hand today. Warlu Way needs a market check; his trainer is not renowned for debutant winners but this Sakhee colt looks to be starting off at the right trip. Swansea Jack is only to be truly considered if the market speaks in his favour as he steps up in trip with a tongue-tie on for the first time, and so we are happy to return to Afsare as the selection.
Afsare 7-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up, edged left over 5f out, headway on outer over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, improve, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Eton Forever (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn stks (4) pol.
Battle Honour 50-1 (9-0) Raced centre, in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out, 14th of 18, 9l behind Quick Wit (9-0) at Newmarket 7f mdn stks (4) gd in Oct.
Dhaafer Nayef gelding out of Almurooj.
Linnens Star (IRE) Traditionally gelding out of Capestar.
Sir Sandford (IRE) Selkirk colt out of Fatefully.
Squall 9-2 (9-0) Chased leader, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 14, 4l behind Harvest Dancer (9-0) at Goodwood 1m mdn stks (5) gd.
Conceptual Art 13-2 (9-3) Chased leading pair until outpaced over 2f out, regained modest 3rd 2f out, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Bintalwaadi (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Apr.
Swansea Jack 66-1 (9-0) Steadied start, held up, never on terms, 8th of 10, 12l behind Rule Of Nature (8-12) at Yarmouth 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Oct.
Warlu Way Sakhee colt out of Conspiracy.