started slowly, soon in touch, effort 2f out, stayed on same pace and lost 2nd final furlong
started slowly, towards rear, some progress over 1f out, never nearer
raced far side, led, not on terms, ran on until 1f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden and weakened quickly 2f out
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, no progress, one pace
held up behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong but always held
joined main group near side after 1f, stayed on from over 1f out, but never nearer
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened inside final 2f
made most until headed inside final 2f , beated over 1f out
chased leaders, led inside final 2f, hung badly left to far side final furlong, driven out
tracked leader far side, joined near side group halfway, never on terms
raced far side 1f, joined main group near side, never near leaders
in touch to halfway, ridden well over 2f out soon weakened
with leader over 2f, soon ridden and weakened 2f out
The shortlisted three are Optimus, Danawi and Grecian Promise, with the vote going to Optimus. Basically, Optimus's form rates as being as good as any and better than most and, with the scope to progress this season, he rates as a major player today. The downside, of course, is that he has a long absence to overcome, although Jamie Spencer is an interesting jockey booking. Grecian Promise showed promise on his debut last June, but has not been seen since. Balian showed fair promise last summer, while Colton is surely better than he showed in two runs last season. Danawi's Turf and all-weather form is solid in the context of this race and he, accordingly, gets a solid mention, while Squadron Leader's best efforts give him place claims. Starlight Way did not build on last season's debut promise at Newmarket last time, but he may have needed the run, and Fleeting Passion is one to watch out for in the betting. Overall, though, the vote goes to Optimus.
Grecian Gold (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Started slowly, soon in touch, lost place over 3f out, headway 2f out, chased winner 1f out, no chance, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Macaulay (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Optimus (USA) 2-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 2l behind King's Majesty (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (D3) pol in Oct '04.
Atticus Trophies (IRE) 22-1 (9-1) Held up, edged left over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 19l behind Tawaassol (9-1) at Yarmouth 6f mdn stk (4) gf in Apr.
Balian 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakening when not much room over 1f out, 9th of 10, 4l behind Eversden (9-0) at Sandown 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Charles Street Lad (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) In rear, headway when bumped rival over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 11, 10l behind Miss Patricia (9-7) at Lingfield 7f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Mar.
Colton 100-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 9l behind Bold And Free (9-0) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
Danawi (IRE) 8-11fav (8-11) Held up in touch, stayed on final furlong, not pace to challenge, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Miss Patricia (9-7) at Lingfield 7f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Mar.
Fleeting Passion Primo Valentino gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f and the decent jumper Buddy Marvel.
North Fleet 100-1 (8-12) Went right start, always behind, 12th of 14, 15l behind Portland (9-3) at Warwick 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Ocean Valentine 9-1 (8-11) Took keen hold, tracked leader to over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 14l behind Dream Theme (8-11) at Kempton 7f mdn stk (4) pol in Apr.
Squadron Leader (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Tracked leader 2f, stayed prominent until ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 17l behind Herring (8-9) at Lingfield 1m mdn aut stk (6) pol in Apr.
Starlight Gazer 5-1 (9-0) Keen, chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 6l behind Pearly Wey (9-0) at Newmarket 6f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Apr.
Eldori 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, keen, soon in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out, 5th of 6, 14l behind My Amalie (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn fll (5) pol in Apr.
Jill Dawson (IRE) 100-1 (8-9) Dwelt, always behind far side, 14th of 18, 43l behind Makfly (9-0) at Doncaster 6f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Nov.
Lady Duxyana 20-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 8l behind Shes Minnie (8-12) at Kempton 6f mdn fll (5) pol in Apr.
Way To The Stars 66-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, towards rear, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 12th of 19, 9l behind Kaveri (8-11) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) gd in Oct.
