started very slowly, in rear, hard ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, soon in mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place and behind final 2f
prominent, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed against final furlong, not reached leaders
held up, ridden 3f out, no progress and stayed on same pace final 2f
in touch, effort 2f out, not paced for challenge, kept on one pace
mid-division, ridden outpaced over 2f out, weakened, soon in rear
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no headway and weakened from 2f out
tracked leader, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, pressed winner afterwards, always held final furlong
held up, progress to chase leaders 2f out, no extra and one pace from over 1f out
in touch, driven to lead over 1f out, hard pressed afterwards, roused strongly all out
The market should offer most clues but from a shortlist that includes Moon Quest, Black Rock and Winter Sunrise, we side with the claims of Black Rock. The selection finished third in a Newbury maiden that has thrown up winners such as Diamond Tycoon and Lucarno and as Michael Jarvis' charge was sent off favourite, he is clearly held in some regard and this event could provide the perfect compensation. Moon Quest is the choice of Frankie Dettori. The son of Rainbow Quest holds an entry in the King Edward VII Stakes so has to be respected. Sir Michael Stoute had a good record in this race during the late 1990's and he is represented by Winter Sunrise. The filly does not have any fancy entries so the market is watched. Spring City also represents the boys in blue and may appreciate the rain as a German bred. Marieschi was easy to back on debut and could be vulnerable to the newcomers. Haarth Sovereign disappointed in a four runner race and is unproven on today's likely going. A race that is hard to evaluate without reference to the market but Black Rock sets the standard on racecourse evidence and looks difficult to oppose.
Sadler's Leap (IRE) Sadler's Wells filly, half-sister to several winners from 1m-1m6f.
Almahaza (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, behind, no chance final 3f, 9th of 16, 14l behind Wester Ross (9-3) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo mdn aut (5) gs.
Black Rock (IRE) 7-4fav (9-3) Prominent, chased winner over 2f out until over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Diamond Tycoon (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Fraternal 66-1 (9-0) Behind, moderate headway final furlong, 9th of 15, 13l behind Ajhar (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gs.
Haarth Sovereign (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) Led to over 1m out, chased winner after, ridden and hung left from 3f out, readily held from over 1f out, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Eradicate (9-3) at Bath 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) frm.
Irish Quest (IRE) Galileo colt, half-brother to winners up to 1m4f.
Marieschi (USA) 8-1 (8-11) Mid-division, stayed on steadily final 2f, not reach leaders, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Calabash Cove (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gs.
Muraco 33-1 (8-11) Started slowly, in rear, never a factor, 9th of 12, 10l behind Calabash Cove (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gs.
Spring City (GER) Monsun colt, half-brother to high-class middle-distance winner Silvano.
Stalking Tiger (IRE) King's Best colt, half-brother to 1m-1m2f winner Fasylitator.
Niqaab 33-1 (8-12) Behind, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 13, 6l behind Tybalt (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Oct.
Time Upon Time 33-1 (8-12) Keen hold, close-up until ran wide on bend over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 12th of 16, 19l behind Wester Ross (9-3) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo mdn aut (5) gs.
Winter Sunrise Pivotal filly, half-sister to 1m-1m2f winner Shortest Day.
Bellestani Shahrastani gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Welsh Guard (USA) 12-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden 3f out, one pace, 4th of 12, 8l behind Regal Angel (9-11) at Hereford 1m 5f mdn nhf (6) gf in Mar (N.Hunt).
Bundle Up Diktat filly, half-sister to 1m2f winner Top Gear.
Moon Quest (IRE) Rainbow Quest colt out of the useful Midnight Line.
