stumbled soon after star, in touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden when weakening over 1f out
led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never a factor
held up, smooth progress to lead over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, comfortably
prominent, pushed along halfway, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, headed after 1f, remained in touch, driven over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up, driven over 3f out, effort over 2f out, no impression
always in rear
Makai can put paid to these rivals, the best of whom can prove to be The City Kid, with Moi Aussie and Cape Win worth a mention at least. It normally pays to follow topweights in nurseries, but The City Kid has to give plenty of weight to Makai, and that should tilt the scales in favour of the latter today. Mark Johnston's gelding is not badly treated for his first foray into this company, and should improve for the step up to a mile. The City Kid defied a four-pound rise when doubling up in a claimer here last time, but in addition to tackling stronger company, is not sure to get the trip on breeding, unlike the selection. Moi Aussie comes from a shrewd yard and should be noted in the market, while Cape Win has to prove that he handles this type of surface. There are plenty of ifs and buts here, but a chance is taken on Makai.
The City Kid (IRE) 13-8fav (8-1) Close up, led over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Southwell 6f 2yo clm (4) fbs beating Amber Glory (7-8) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Outlook 20-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden, no impression final 2f, 9th of 12, 10l behind Fregate Island (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Hill of Howth (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Led to over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 8th of 11, 22l behind King's Head (9-0) at Pontefract 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept.
Moi Aussi (USA) 5-1 (9-9) Prominent, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 14, 8l behind Magical Music (7-13) at Southwell 1m 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Cape Win (IRE) 11-4fav (9-6) Mid-division, ridden and kept on one pace, 5th of 12, 5l behind Pommes Frites (9-5) at W'hampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Chia (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, outpaced 2f out, ran on again inside final furlong, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 2l behind Sands of Barra (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (5) pol.
Daaweitza 11-1 (8-10) Soon in rear, some headway over 1f out but never nearer, 7th of 12, 6l behind Jimmy The Guesser (9-3) at W'hampton 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Makai 2-1fav (9-0) Held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on near finish, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Mujelle (9-0) at Southwell 7f 2yo mdn aut (7) fbs.