tracked winner, ridden and effort over 1f out, no impression final furlong
steadied start, took keen hold, prominent, ridden over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened final furlong
started very slowly, in touch after 2f, ridden 3f out, no headway, weakened quickly over 1f out
behind in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble leaders
tracked leaders throughout, every chance over 1f out, stayed on one pace
made all, led, ridden over 2f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, driven out, unchallenged
started slowly, in rear, ridden and outpaced final 2f
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced and beaten
held up behind, in touch, ridden over 2f out, no progress, soon weakened
A difficult race to work out, with so much untapped potential on show, and so only a narrow vote goes to Captain Esteem, who can make the most of a prior outing to beat the likes of Dinarius, Zabeel Tiger and Midships to name but a few. Captain Esteem finished a creditable fourth on his Goodwood debut in the race won by stablemate Bobs Surprise, and although not fancied then, he can put the experience to good use to open his account. By Mark Of Esteem, and trained by Barry Hills, who sent out Thousand Words to take this last year, he holds a Derby entry, and will obviously be suited by further in time, but gets the vote here. Zabeel Tiger, a full-brother to Silca's Gift, has by all accounts been working well on the Lambourn gallops, and will be expected to do well. Tom Tate knows how to get one ready, and Dinarius, entered for a couple of big sales races this autumn, is sure to know his job, while Midships hails from a stable in form. The market may reveal which of Richard Hannon's is the pick, but we are happy to side with Captain Esteem.
Alwaabel 13-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up, headway approaching final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 19, 7l behind Luck Money (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in May.
Captain Esteem 66-1 (9-3) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Bobs Surprise (9-3) at Goodwood 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd.
Dinarius Bertolini colt, half-brother to 6f-1m winner Golden Lagoon.
Ezthegezza Tobougg gelding, half-brother to winning sprinter Bertie Southstreet and hurdler Razzamatazz.
Ghetto Auction House colt, brother to winning sprinter Hythe Bay.
Landikhaya (IRE) Kris Kin colt, half-brother to 6f winner Nebraska Lady.
Legal Eagle (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt, half-brother to several winners in Germany.
Midships (USA) Mizzen Mast colt, half-brother to several winners from 1m-1m4f.
Tango Jack (USA) Stravinsky colt, half-brother to winning miler Kona Blend.
We Have A Dream Oasis Dream colt, half-brother to several winners from 5f-1m.
Zabeel Tiger Cadeaux Genereux colt, brother to useful 5f-7f winner Silca's Gift, half-brother to useful sprinter Violette.
