slowly into stride, held up, headway 3f out, chased winner and hung persistenly left 2f out, no impression and lost 2nd inside final furlong
led stand side pair, well on terms until weakened over 1f out
pressed leader, led over 3f out, stayed on well final 2f
chased leaders over 4f
soon chased leaders, hard ridden and stayed on same pace final 2f
slowly into stride and always struggling in rear
slowly into stride, held up, pushed along halfway, driven final 2f, stayed on for 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
with stand side leader until weakened over 2f out
led main group to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
This is a cracking race which should prove to be quite informative for the future, but Priors Hill, Winged Cupid and Punta Galera look the three to focus on and the vote is given to Winged Cupid. The selection won his maiden in impressive fashion when defeating Brave Fight at Sandown. He gave the impression that day that he could be quite useful and he will certainly benefit in time from a step-up in trip. However, if this colt improves for that debut effort then he should prove difficult to beat today. Priors Hill rates as an obvious danger and he won the same maiden that Motivator won last year when beating Dynamic Rhythm. He couldn't have been more impressive on ground that was softer than ideal and this Danehill colt clearly has a leading chance of getting his head in front again today. Punta Galera won well at Goodwood last time and he should relish today's conditions. He has had four runs so far and does not look the most straightforward, so although he is not without a chance, he will need to improve to make the frame. Merveilles is the John Gosden representative and he made a winning debut at Haydock, but that was not a strong race and this is much more competitive. Most of the top yards are represented here and there are several others that are worth noting in the market. However, we are happy to return to Mark Johnston's Winged Cupid who looks the one to beat.
Priors Hill (IRE) 2-1 (9-0) Raced stands' side, held up, switched 3f out, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, hung left, ran on, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (5) sft in Aug beating Dynamic Rhythm (9-0) by 5l, 6 ran.
Punta Galera (IRE) 2-1fav (9-0) Made all, clear when veered left inside final furlong, won at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf beating Areyoutalkingtome (9-0) by 2l, 8 ran.
Winged Cupid (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Made most, pushed out final furlong, comfortably, won at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug beating Brave Fight (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Greek Renaissance (IRE) Machiavellian colt, full brother to 6f & 7f winner Machinist.
Jebel Ali (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, never troubled leaders, 6th of 9, 7l behind Linas Selection (9-0) at Epsom 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) gd.
Merveilles 11-4fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, switched right halfway, headway over 3f out, led 1f out, ran on, won at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs beating Teide Lady (8-9) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Prince Darius Efisio colt, half-brother to several winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Red Rocks (IRE) Galileo colt, half-brother to 2 winners between 7f & 1m2f.
Shahin (USA) 6-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, slightly outpaced over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 20, 1l behind Gin Jockey (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (3) gd in Jul.
Sicilian (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out, hampered inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 5l behind Ashaawes (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Trafalgar Bay (IRE) 5-2 (9-0) Made all, in command final 2f, easily, won at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug beating Shinko (8-2) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
