in touch, ridden well over 1f out, no extra final furlong
led early, tracked leader, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, driven out (hand timed)
held up in rear, ridden along over 2f out, no impression
soon led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, one pace
This looks tricky and Ephorus can only be a tentative selection with Coin Of The Realm, Sea Chorus, Rockellio and debutant Bertie Boo all of interest. Coin Of The Realm and Sea Chorus were only separated by half a length at Nottingham on debut. Coin Of The Realm made up a lot of ground from off the pace that afternoon but Sea Chorus deserves plenty of credit as, the winner excepted, he was the only horse to finish in the first half dozen that raced up with the pace. There should be more to come from both. Bertie Boo is best watched unless attracting support whilst Rockellio does need to improve on her bare form. However, the form of her sole juvenile start has worked out well and she's entitled to improve for her reappearance behind a useful sort and for this longer trip. King Kenny should also improve for this longer trip but has something to prove whilst Sir Royal may fare better once handicapping. The case for the selection is hardly concrete but he hails from a stable that has twice won this race in six years. He was well backed on debut suggesting that better was expected and the form of the race doesn't look too bad on the limited evidence to date. He's bred to relish this longer trip so we're prepared to take a chance that Ephorus can leave his debut showing behind.
Coin of The Realm (IRE) 18-1 (8-9) Held up, pushed along halfway, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 3l behind Bold Choice (8-9) at Nottingham 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft.
Ephorus (USA) 5-2 (9-3) Held up, pushed along 3f out, driven 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 6l behind Wing Play (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov.
King Kenny 11-1 (9-0) Held up in last place, switched right over 2f out, ridden, headway approaching final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Glorious Gift (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 3yo mdn (5) sft.
Sir Royal (USA) 22-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, rider dropped whip over 1f out when held, kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Born Tobouggie (8-12) at Nottingham 1m 3yo mdn (5) sft.
Sea Chorus 40-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden to chase winner over 2f out until inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Bold Choice (8-9) at Nottingham 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft.
Bertie Boo Where Or When gelding out of an unraced mare.
Rockellio (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Started slowly, soon mid-division, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 12, 14l behind Charm School (9-3) at Doncaster 7f 3yo mdn (4) sft in Mar.
