mid-division, ridden, no impression when hung right final 2f
led to 2f out, chased winner to inside final furlong, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway on outside 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, always just held
disputed 2nd place, led 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, always holding runner-up near finish
disputed 2nd place, driven to challenge 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, headway, edged right from over 1f out, kept on again inside final furlong
in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
slowly away, always in rear
took keen hold, tracked leading trio, ridden, unable to quicken over 1f out, stayed on again inside final furlong
slowly into stride, pushed along early straight, always in rear
behind, ridden, struggling 4f out
Murbek gets a tentative nomination as the one to be on in a very interesting maiden where Esteem Machine, Golden Platitude and Pipedreamer are also expected to give a good account of themselves. Pipedreamer wasn't knocked about on his debut, but created a favourable impression behind Diamond Tycoon (subsequently beaten just over five lengths in the 2,000 Guineas) on his debut last month. The Selkirk colt is expected to have benefited from the run and, as jockey bookings suggest he is the preferred option from the John Gosden camp, an improved display can be anticipated. Some give underfoot would not go amiss, though. Golden Platitude was out-fought by a more experienced opponent at Folkestone 16 days ago, and can also be fancied to know a lot more on this occasion. The Walter Swinburn-trained four-year-old is bred to get further in time and he is one to keep on the right side. The handicapper has allotted a mark of 74 to Esteem Machine, so he has to be of interest in a race of this nature. The son of Mark Of Esteem seemed to like making the running when he was nabbed at the post at Lingfield on his seasonal return. And the step up in trip would appear to be in his favour. However, Murbek sets the overall standard at present and he is expected to step up to the bench today. Michael Jarvis has his string in good order just now and this son of Dansili can maintain the steady flow of prize-money heading back to his Newmarket yard.
Golden Platitude (IRE) 7-2 (9-12) In touch, ridden to challenge entering final furlong, soon every chance, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Subadar (8-13) at Folkestone 7f mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
Effigy 11-1 (9-3) In touch, pushed along halfway, kept on one pace under pressure final 2f, 4th of 16, 2l behind Edge Closer (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Nov.
Esteem Machine (USA) 9-4jt-fav (9-0) Led, ridden and headed entering final furlong, soon outpaced by winner but clear 2nd, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Hazzard County (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Mar.
Murbek (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden over 2f out, never near leaders, 8th of 13, 9l behind Arabian Gulf (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Novikov Danehill Dancer colt, half-brother to several winners from 1m-1m6f and over jumps.
Pipedreamer 12-1 (9-3) Mid-division, pushed along and stayed on same pace final 2f, 6th of 16, 9l behind Diamond Tycoon (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Luna Danza 80-1 (9-0) Mid-division, driven along 3f out, soon weakened, 13th of 16, 17l behind Promising Lead (9-0) at Newbury 7f 3yo mdn fll (4) gf in Apr.
Shirley A Star (USA) Cozzene filly, half-sister to several winners from 7f-1m1f.
