tracked leaders, hard driven over 2f out, stayed on well, not pace to challenge
mid-division, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard, tracked leaders, led over 3f out, driven and hung left from 1f out, stayed on well
led, headed over 3f out, rallied under pressure inside final furlong, kept on well
chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
always prominent, hard ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, switched left and effort over 2f out, soon beaten
behind, ridden halfway, soon beaten
slowly into stride, held up in rear, never dangerous
mid-division, driven when hung left over 1f out, never a factor
mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on well, nearest finish
This looks a potentially warm maiden, with HOKOUMAH given the chance to recoup Wolverhampton losses at the main expense of Enthusing, Harry Luck and Face The Problem. Godolphin's runner is very nicely bred so it was no surprise to see support arrive ahead of his Dunstall Park debut. He finished behind Silver Alliance that day, a horse whose run on Saturday should be watched with interest, but the pair pulled a nice distance clear and the feeling is losses incurred that day were only leant. Not that he's been found a straight-forward task here as several of these have shown promise, particularly course-second Enthusing. This son of Noverre only just failed to get up over five that day and can only improve for the experience while the extra furlong should suit, so from a plot draw he's a major player. It's not significant that Dane O'Neill is off him to ride Harry Luck as he's attached to Henry Candy's yard; the Red Ransom colt was no match for Dr Green here on debut but beat the rest well enough and, while the form hasn't yet been boosted, he should come on for the experience although defying his draw won't be easy. Face The Problem is a full-brother to the smart Thomas Baines and should also leave his debut behind. That effort came in a race that has worked out, with the winner landing a strong nursery since. Richard Hannon's record here means the precociously bred Ardour needs a look in the market but he'll have to be above-average to win this first time out while Mega Mount could go well at a price if putting a below-par run behind him, but Hokoumah looks the one to beat in this strong race.
Appyjack Royal Applause colt out of Petrikov.
Ardour (IRE) Danehill Dancer colt out of Lovers Walk.
Blue Vinney Proclamation colt out of Easy Mover.
Dances With Words (IRE) Mujadil gelding out of Lyric Dances.
Face The Problem (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride, headway halfway, ridden and stayed on to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 4l behind Memen (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in May.
Harry Luck (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, not clear run just over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Dr Green (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Hero From Zero (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt out of Truly Generous.
Hokoumah (USA) 5-6fav (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, effort on inside over 1f out, soon challenging and every chance throughout final furlong, ne extra towards finish, 2nd of 12, nk behind Silver Alliance (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Jun.
Ishikawa (IRE) Chineur colt out of Nautical Light.
Iwantobreakfree Firebreak colt out of Nee Lemon Left.
Mega Mount (IRE) 11-8fav (9-3) Prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Rossetti (9-3) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Only Ten Per Cent (IRE) Kheleyf colt out of Cory Everson.
Sea The Flames (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, ran green and always towards rear, 11th of 15, 12l behind Byronic (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Mon Visage Ishiguru filly out of Pikaboo.
Royal Reverie Royal Applause colt out of Christina's Dream.
Enthusing (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, switched left well over 1f out, soon ridden and headway, kept on towards finish, just held, 2nd of 10, hd behind Believe It Or Not (9-3) at Windsor 5f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jun.
