reared start, led over 5f out, ridden 2f out, ran on, headed near finish
led, headed over 5f out, tracked leader after, pressed leader from over 2f out, ran on, led near finish
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, no impression
close up, ridden, every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly away, in rear, ridden, headway, every chance over 2f out until over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden, slightly outpaced over 1f out, stayed on to snatch 3rd post
In an interesting juvenile event, the betting will probably provide many clues but, without that, we will side with Massenzio ahead of Captain Marvelous. Captain Marvelous's form stacks up as he followed up a third to the subsequent easy National Stakes winner Excellent Art by winning comfortably at Chester. Much as he has to concede seven pounds to the field, he can still go well. That said, John Gosden runs a 170,000 guineas son of Green Desert in Massenzio, Brian Meehan's Danebury Hill has a nice pedigree, Sir Michael Stoute's Gulf Express cost 290,000 dollars, Justy is a 620,000 euros son of Danehill, and Malaaq also has a good pedigree. It all adds up to an interesting contest - but a bit of a guessing game too - in which the vote goes to Massenzio.
Captain Marvelous (IRE) 11-8fav (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden halfway, hung left 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Chester 5f 2yo mdn (2) gf beating Benllech (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Danebury Hill Danehill colt, half-brother to winning milers Mr. Mellon & Beaucette.
Gulf Express (USA) Langfuhr colt, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m.
Justy (USA) Danehill colt, brother to 7f winner Pure Illusion.
Massenzio (IRE) Green Desert colt out of 6f & 7f winner Monnavanna.
Malaaq Green Desert filly out of winning sprinter Izwah.