was prominent, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, was ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, driven over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, never near to challenge
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
in touch, driven over 2f out, ridden and one paced final 2f
always in rear division
towards rear, pushed along halfway, ridden 2f out, some late headway, never near to challenge
in touch, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
made all, ridden over 1f out, driven out final furlong
dwelt and behind, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
The market will almost certainly pay to follow here, but Battalion has done enough at home to suggest that he can go in first time ahead of Bin Rahy, King's Ransom and the Godolphin pair Rebellion and Reunite. Battalion, a son of Grand Lodge, is bred for middle-distances next year, and indeed holds a Vodafone Derby entry, so hopes are high that he can translate his work on the gallops to the racecourse. His sire handled soft ground and there is every reason to believe that he will do the same. Bin Rahy has had the one run so far, when down the field at Newbury, but you can be sure that he will have come on in leaps and bounds and he should play a major part along with King's Ransom who was given a quiet introduction at Sandown. His dam is from the family of Warrsan, Luso and Needle Gun, so it is hoped that he has inherited some of their ability. Rebellion is going the right way judged on his latest Newcastle effort and he makes slightly more appeal than stablemate Reunite, but we shall pin our hopes on Battalion.
Battalion (IRE) Grand Lodge colt out of 6f & 1m6f winner The Faraway Tree.
Bin Rahy (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Soon pushed along, always towards rear, 11th of 16, 11l behind Prince Woodman (9-0) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Rebellion 8-1 (8-11) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Collateral Damage (8-11) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Woolly Bully 8-1 (9-0) Soon outpaced, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 7l behind Sant Elena (8-9) at Nottingham 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) sft in Oct.
Loch Awe 12-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, soon lost place, 6th of 11, 7l behind Astrobella (8-6) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) sft in Oct.
Reunite (IRE) Kingmambo filly, half-sister to the top-class Anabaa Blue and winning miler Anja.
King's Ransom 20-1 (9-0) In rear, raced wide, never nearer, 11th of 16, 6l behind Suzy Bliss (8-9) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Scot Love (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Dwelt, held up towards rear, kept on final 2f, 6th of 16, 8l behind Prince Woodman (9-0) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
