led 2f, reminders, led over 1f out, ridden out
slowly away, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous
chased leader over 5f out until over 3f out
in touch, ridden halfway, one pace final 2f
held up, improved halfway, effort and hampered over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, always in rear
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on under strong pressure
in touch, chased leader over 3f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, soon weakened
led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
held up, ridden 3f out, headway final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
The selection for the first race on Kempton's new racing surface is Feu d'Artrice, with his biggest dangers suggested as Power Broker and Akona Matata. Rated 77, Feu d'Artrice looks a leading player here, having earned that rating courtesy of some good juvenile efforts. Much as his last run, which came at Bath, was slightly disappointing, the going was hard that day and, overall, he has to be seriously considered this afternoon. So does Power Broker, a half-brother to Royal Millennium and from a good family, while Scot Love hails from a good stable but needs to improve on the bare level of form that has been so far shown, which is possible, of course. Akona Matata cost 500,000 dollars and hails from a stable that has been among the winners, looked to be improving last time, and can go well, while, being by Indian Ridge out of a Green Desert mare, Muscari certainly has something to like on breeding. Maximix is another that needs to show improved form to feature but, coming here race-fit, Pop Music might sneak a placing. Of the others, Star Of The Desert has something to like on breeding and, finally, Richard Hannon also runs the 35,000 guineas purchase, Wayne's Way and, much as it is good to see Pat Dobbs back in the saddle, Feu d'Artrice looks to be the stable's stronger option and, once again, he is the selection.
Akona Matata (USA) 10-1 (9-0) Soon led, edged right, ridden and headed 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, nk behind May Morning (8-9) at Yarmouth 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jul.
Muscari Indian Ridge filly, half-sister to 1m-1m4f winner Major Performance.
Feu d'Artifice (USA) 9-4jt-fav (8-11) Prominent, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, edged right, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind True Dream (9-0) at Bath 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) hrd in Sept.
Maximix 7-1 (9-3) Slowly away, switched to outside over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 11, 2l behind Piano Player (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Pop Music (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Prominent early, mid-division 6f out, headway on inside over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Lucky Lark (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Power Broker 5-1 (8-11) Held up, pulled hard, headway over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Rising Cross (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Star of The Desert (IRE) Desert Story colt, half-brother to 7f winner Ducky Divey and winning miler Faith Healer.
Warne's Way (IRE) Spinning World colt, half-brother to several winners up to 1m2f.
