keen, held up towards rear, headway when not clear run over 1f out, switched left, not recover
in rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
slowly away, headway to go mid-division over 4f out, ridden and chased leading pair 2f out, kept on same pace
chased winner, ridden 2f out, soon outpaced by winner
keen, held up towards rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, kept on, never dangerous
dwelt, soon tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on strongly, comfortable
Skadrak will be all the rage here and will be expected to take all the beating. Virtual and Masaalek would appear to be his biggest dangers on the book. The selection went to the track with a big reputation and came away with it intact following a short-head defeat by Atlantic Sport who was regarded as the best juvenile in Mick Channon's team. The winner was a shade disappointing on his only subsequent start in the Champagne Stakes and a few of those behind haven't done a great deal to advertise the form but we'll stick to our guns and take Skadrak to confirm that initial impression and make a winning debut for his new trainer. Opposition is likely to come from a trio of runners who hold entries for the Guineas. Masaalek's debut effort at Newbury has worked out well, Otaared ran well for a long way in a warm race at York whilst Virtual did nothing wrong in two starts last year and is bred to get better with age. That quartet would appear to be the pick and we'll take Skadrak to shed his maiden tag today.
Brother Barry (USA) 66-1 (9-3) Held up in touch far side, pushed along 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, 6th of 11, 6l behind Almoutaz (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Nov.
El Duende (USA) 8-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, soon pushed along, never dangerous, last of 6, 13l behind Seeking Star (9-2) at Leicester 7f 2yo stk (4) gs in Oct.
Kuriyama (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 15, 22l behind No To Trident (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gd in Mar.
Masaalek 16-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, headway 2f out, weaved through to chase leaders over 1f out, every chance until unable to quicken, 2nd of 19, 1/2l behind Coasting (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (3) gs in May.
Otaared 8-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Moynahan (9-3) at York 6f 2yo mdn (2) gd in Aug.
Slugger O'Toole 20-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 6l behind Prohibit (9-3) at Nottingham 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Oct.
Style Icon Mark of Esteem colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Play Time and 6f-7f winner Daniella.
Timbalier (USA) 14-1 (9-1) Towards rear, always outpaced, 5th of 9, 12l behind Mystery Star (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol in Nov.
Virtual 2-1fav (9-3) In touch, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Almajd (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (3) gd in Oct.
Skadrak (USA) 2-1fav (9-0) Held up behind leaders, headway to lead 2f out, driven and kept on final furlong, collared last stride, 2nd of 13, shd behind Atlantic Sport (9-0) at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Jul.
