led, headed after 4th, weakened 3 out
soon in touch, hit 4th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before last
held up and keen, some progress approaching 4 out, plugged on
always in the rear
held up, headway 4 out, hit 2 out, running on towards finish, just denied 2nd
tracked leader to 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out
mid-division, pecked 1st, headway after 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
always towards the rear
in touch and always going well, led 3 out, clear last, ran on well
tracked leader from 2nd, led after 4th, headed 3 out and held when hanging left approaching last
This looks a top-quality race and preference is for PEPITE DE SOLEIL ahead of Walkon and Simarian. A fantastic Juvenile Grade One and it is hard to rule out many. The selection, a Paul Nicholls-trained filly gets 7lb from all of her rivals and after winning so impressively on her UK debut at Wincanton, she is hard to oppose. Although unlikely to be a great price, she has been pleasing connections at home and can be backed until losing. Simarian has two Cheltenham victories to his name and he looked pretty tough on the latter. He holds Reve De Sivola on that run and is 8lbs better off at the weights today. Walkon was unfortunate to bump into a smart one last item in the form of Triumph favourite Zaynar; he looks the pick of Alan King's juveniles and a big run is expected. Just Rob has more improvement to come (holds Indian Groom on their last run), Giorgio Quercus has a little to prove after a disappointing last run (beaten by Simarian), and Akarshan's overall level of form looks slightly less and needs improving on. A terrific and informative race, with preference for Pepite De Soleil.
Akarshan (IRE) 2-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden and challenged leader 2 out, kept on well to lead close home, won at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Nov beating Solar Max (10-12) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Giorgio Quercus (FR) 7-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no extra, 5th of 15, 10l behind Simarian (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Indian Groom (IRE) 4-9fav (11-5) Prominent, jinked left 1st, led after 2nd, hit 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, kept on same pace, lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Just Rob (11-0) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Nov.
Just Rob 7-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, travelling well 3 out, joined leader 2 out, led approaching last, pushed clear, stayed on well, won at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Nov beating Sufad (11-0) by 4l, 5 ran.
Reve De Sivola (FR) 40-1 (10-12) Held up, some headway after 3 out, ridden after next, stayed on well from last, went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Simarian (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Seconditis 100-1 (10-9) In touch, mistake 4th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 11, 26l behind Giorgio Quercus (11-5) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Simarian (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) In touch, hit 5th and 3 out, ridden to lead after 2 out, hit last, stayed on strongly, won at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov beating R De Rien Sivola (10-9) by 7l, 15 ran.
Tayarat (IRE) 5-4fav (10-7) Held up, pecked 1st, headway and stumped 6th, ridden after 3 out, 3rd and held when mistake last, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Morestead (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo mdn hdl (5) gf in Oct.
Walkon (FR) 12-1 (11-5) Mid-division, headway after 5th, led 3 out, headed last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Zaynar (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft.
Pepite De Soleil (FR) 2-11fav (10-12) Prominent, led 2nd, clear 5th, unchallenged, won at Wincanton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft beating Anay Turge (10-12) by a distance, 8 ran.