prominent, ridden to chase leader 2f out, one pace from 1f out
tracked leaders until halfway
soon led, ridden and challenged over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, weakened
with leader, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
dwelt, outpaced, soon ridden, edged right over 2f out, stayed on to chase clear leader inside final furlong
tracked leaders, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, soon clear
in touch, ridden and headway to chase leaders 3f out, soon one pace
Blue Mirage gets the confident vote in the opener with Military Cross and Broken Spur rated as the main dangers. The selection will not have to be anything out of the ordinary to make a winning racecourse debut and this King's Best colt should have the measure of his rivals here. Godolphin's string are in decent form at present and if the market vibes are positive then it should pay to get stuck-in. Military Cross is sure to find a race having showed plenty of promise on his debut at Newcastle when narrowly beaten by Lightning Affair. He will need to improve to beat our selection but he should be the one to profit if our selection fails to fire. Broken Spur is not one to place a great deal of faith in as he was a beaten odds-on favourite at Chester last time when fourth behind Stainley. He clearly has ability but that latest effort will have to be forgiven if he is to be supported today. Mark Johnston's London Express is another interesting newcomer who is certainly worth noting in the market, but for the winner we will stick with Blue Mirage.
Blue Mirage (IRE) King's Best colt, half-brother to 7f winner Beacon Wood.
Blues In The Night (IRE) Bluebird colt out of winning miler Always True.
Broken Spur (FR) 4-7fav (9-0) In touch, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Stainley (9-0) at Chester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Cindertrack Singspiel colt out of winning miler Beading.
Coda Agency Agnes World gelding, half-brother to 3 winners on the Flat.
It's Basil 7-1 (9-0) Raced far side, slowly into stride, soon prominent, weakened rapidly over 2f out, eased final furlong, 16th of 11, 34l behind Postage Stampe (8-6) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
London Express (IRE) King Charlemagne colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Ifit.
Military Cross 13-8 (9-0) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed and no extra post, 2nd of 8, shd behind Lightning Affair (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug.