led, ridden and headed inside final 2f, outpaced and no chance with winner final furlong, kept on for 2nd
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd over 2f out, led inside final 2f, ridden clear final furlong, stayed on well
chased leaders in 4th, ridden early straight, soon weakened
green in rear, pushed along early straight, green and switched right 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders on outside, weakened over 2f out
always behind, ridden and struggling early straight
chased leader, until over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
held up, headway on outside 2f out, chased leading pair over 1f out until inside final furlong
took keen hold, steadied rear, headway on outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace after
The short list of possibles contains Alhaajes, Corum and Majaales, with the vote going to the first-named horse. Alhaajes' Dee Stakes third two runs ago stands out as form and, even though he was beaten last time, his overall form still makes him a major player today. Corum is a half-brother to Maids Causeway and is surely better than he showed on his debut, and India Run certainly improved last time, and can do so again over today's longer trip, but is the form strong enough? The Marcus Tregoning-trained Majaales has plenty to like on breeding, while Songmaster cost $300,000 and stable companion Triple Bend has plenty to like on breeding but the others seem to have some improvement to find if playing a part today. All of which returns us to Alhaajes, who can be another winner for Barry Hills.
Alhaajes (USA) 6-5fav (9-3) Held up in touch, joined leader over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, nk behind Invention (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) sft in May.
Corum (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Held up mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out, 10th of 13, 11l behind Book Of Music (8-11) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Hensting House Slip Anchor colt out of Pallas Athene.
Majaales (USA) Diesis gelding, full brother to 7f & 1m2f winner Esloob.
Mr Wiseguy 100-1 (9-3) Raced centre, slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 13, 14l behind Cousteau (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (5) sft in May.
Songmaster (USA) Singspiel colt, half-brother to 6f & 7f winner Casas Caballo.
Triple Bend Singspiel colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Burning Moon.
Zirkel (IRE) 100-1 (9-3) Started slowly, raced keenly towards rear, ridden 3f out, soon outpaced, 6th of 10, 9l behind Mashaahed (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gs.
Cape Maya 16-1 (9-0) Towards rear, some progress over 2f out, no further impression from over 1f out, 9th of 16, 10l behind Wasseema (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3yo mdn fll (5) gf.
Gaze 50-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, always behind, 8th of 12, 14l behind Invention (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) sft in May.
Noddies Way 500-1 (9-0) Slowly away, soon ridden along in rear, headway into mid-division on outside halfway, weakened straight, 17th of 18, 30l behind Sir Percy (9-0) at Epsom 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Rifaat 28-1 (9-3) Led to 8f out, chased leaders until weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 15l behind Bandama (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gd in May.
India Run (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Held up in rear, steady headway 2f out, ran on under pressure final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Generous Lad (8-7) at Chepstow 1m 2yo mdn aut (6) gf in Sept.
Soubriquet (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Soon tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 14, 10l behind Senor Dali (8-11) at Sandown 1m 2f mdn stk (5) sft in May.
