disputed lead for 2f, stayed tracking leaders to over 3f out, weakened 2f out
ran green behind, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong but not troubled leaders
started slowly, ran green in rear, no impression on leaders final 3f
disputed lead after 2f, headed over 3f out, gradually weakened
started slowly towards rear, headway 4f out, effort 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, swerved badly left 1f out, lost second inside final furlong
disputed lead, led over 3f out, ridden and headed just over 2f out and soon one pace
close up, headway to lead just over 2f out, left clear final furlong, pushed out
Both Cusco and Woody Valentine are open to improvement following promising debuts, but a chance is taken with the newcomer Turner, who runs here in preference to two other entries this week, and holds an engagement in the Group 1 Royal Lodge next month. John Gosden's colt is from the same family as the smart 12-furlong performer New Frontier, so this mile event will certainly hold no fear for him. Although his stable has yet to hit top stride with its juveniles, they do boast a healthy 18% strike rate. Equus looks nothing special on breeding, but Cusco, a half-sister to the useful sprinter Peruvian Chief, shaped as though she would benefit from this sort of trip, when running on into third place behind the more experienced pair Sioux River and Have Faith at Kempton. She is sure to go well along with Woody Valentine, who seemed to take an age to pick up in a small contest at Catterick. He will be all the wiser this time, and with the emphasis more on stamina, he is one to keep an eye on. However, Turner is clearly held in high regard and is taken to make a winning debut.
