slowly into stride, chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, ran on into 3rd inside final furlong, nearest finish
led 2f, remained prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
pressed leader, led after 2f, driven over 2f out, drew clear inside final furlong, comfortably
slowly into stride, chased leaders, switched right to challenge over 3f out, ran on into 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
broke well, soon in rear, never dangerous
held up, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
A fascinating maiden with many leading yards represented but little form to assess and a watching brief is probably the way to go, especially with the Stoute, Varian and Bell yards all doubly represented. The market should prove a crucial signpost to stable expectations but at this stage a hopeful choice is FIRST IN LINE. The Gosden operation started to fire at the Craven meeting earlier this week and it would not surprise to see this son of New Approach go well on debut. Hopefully the market will speak well of his chance. Jockey bookings indicate Alhaazm to be the owner's first string and the Stoute inmate has already displayed a fair level of promise on two all-weather starts. Top Top is a possible improver and Munaazil and Aktau are newcomers to note from the in-form Varian yard.
Aktau Teofilo gelding out of Rare Ransom.
Alhaazm 11-2 (9-2) 4th of 14, 2l behind Set Piece (9-2) at Kempton 1m stks (5) pol in Dec.
Dubai Instinct 20-1 (9-5) 4th of 17, 12 1/2l behind Bangkok (9-5) at Doncaster 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gd in Mar.
First In Line New Approach colt out of Hidden Hope.
Lexington Warlord 33-1 (9-5) last of 12, 24 3/4l behind Days Of Glory (9-5) at Windsor 1m 2f stks (5) gd in Apr.
Memphis Bleek 14-1 (9-2) 6th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Guildhall (9-2) at Ayr 7f stks (4) hvy in Sep.
Munaazil (IRE) Dubawi gelding out of Aljaaziah.
Top Top (IRE) 5-2jfav (9-2) 4th of 12, 7 3/4l behind Dawaam (9-2) at Lingfield 1m stks (5) pol in Nov.
Boreas Duke Rip Van Winkle gelding out of Amallna.
Platform Nineteen (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) 14th of 15, 33 1/4l behind Landa Beach (9-2) at Newbury 1m stks (4) gs in Oct.
Thelonious 10-1 (9-2) 3rd of 5, 5 3/4l behind Travel On (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 4f stks (5) pol in Mar.