held up last, in touch, kept on to take modest 3rd over 1f out, never dangerous
raced keenly early, tracked winner 6f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, soon lost 2nd, and weakened, no chance when eased inside final furlong
tracked winner on inner to 6f out, stayed 3rd, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace
made all, led, quicken well from 2f out, driven and clear over 1f out, unchallenged
PARTHENON can land this on his reappearance at the main expense of Militarist and Albaher. Mark Johnston's colt made a pleasing start to his career when he took a decent Leicester maiden on his debut. That was in desperate ground but his subsequent efforts when upped in class on better ground were filled with promise. He signed off with a two-length third at Doncaster and he looks sure to progress with age as the majority of his family have and with plenty of class on his dam's side (half-sister to Street Cry and Shamardal), he looks to have a very bright future. If he doesn't find this trip enough of a test now it may be time to side with Albaher. Not many John Dunlop inmates win at the first time of asking but this Oasis Dream colt only had to be pushed out to beat Bawaardi at Ascot. With the third that day only rated in the 60's now the form doesn't look too hot but he could only win as he did and he looks a nice prospect who should get this longer trip ok. Militarist won over a mile on his debut at Newmarket just over a week ago and was well-backed to do so. He has evidently been showing plenty on the gallops and whilst this is a step up in class it would be unwise to think that he won't progress. Sonning Gate has a progressive profile from the all-weather but unfortunately for supporters he is penalised for his Lingfield Novice Stakes win in December. Charging Indian will need to show a lot more than when well-held on his recent reappearance at Kempton where he raced off a mark of 83, and so we are happy to return to Parthenon who looks the cream of the Acropolis.
Sonning Gate 2-5fav (9-5) Tracked leader until 4f out, shaken up to lead 1f out, easy, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo nov stks (5) pol in Dec beating Sunniva Duke (9-2) by 2 3/4l, 3 ran.
Albaher 9-2 (9-0) Went right start, chased leaders and ran green, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged right, ran on well, won at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul beating Bawaardi (9-0) by 1l, 5 ran.
Militarist (USA) 11-8fav (9-3) With leader, led 3f out, ridden over 1f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf beating Harbinger (9-3) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Parthenon 10-1 (9-7) Dwelt, towards rear, ridden along over 2f, headway on outer over 1f, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 18, 2l behind Henderson Park (9-3) at Doncaster 1m 2yo hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Charging Indian (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Held up in rear, shaken up on outside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 5l behind Laudatory (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
