soon pressed leader, ridden 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, stayed on same pace
slowly into stride, towards rear, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous
started slowly, always in rear, never a factor
mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, drew clear final furlong, comfortably
raced wide in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, soon outpaced by winner, kept on well for 2nd
prominent, no headway 2f out, kept on one pace
in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, no chance with winner, kept on
behind, stayed on from over 1f out, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders to over 2f out, weakened quickly
Azygous gets the vote in this trappy contest, with Multahab and Silver Prelude the others worth consideration. The selection wasn't beaten far in a competitive apprentice handicap at Goodwood last time and he looks primed today to take his chance. The draw could have been kinder, but if he gets a decent early pitch then he can prove hard to beat. Silver Prelude looks the best of those with a low draw but on a form line through Malapropism he looks held by Azygous. Multahab went close at Kempton last time but he had the best of the draw that day and he failed to capitalise on it. He has a wide draw this afternoon and that will make life very tough indeed. Almaty Express has gone off the boil of late and is probably best watched, and for the winner we are happy to recommend Azygous as our choice.
Almaty Express 33-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 14th of 15, 7l behind Ocean Blaze (9-1) at Redcar 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Peopleton Brook 14-1 (8-4) In touch, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 4l behind Bo McGinty (8-11) at Haydock 5f hcap (4) gf in Sept.
Fish Called Johnny 14-1 (8-12) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Swift Princess (8-3) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Ebraam (USA) 7-2fav (9-4) Raced keenly, held up, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, drifted left inside final furlong, 7th of 11, 11l behind Desert Master (9-6) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sept.
Calypso King 25-1 (8-6) In touch, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 15th of 17, 8l behind Compton's Eleven (9-10) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Silver Prelude 13-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 9l behind Malapropism (8-13) at Newmarket 5f hcap (5) frm in Sept.
Azygous 15-2 (8-12) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 1l behind Malapropism (9-10) at Goodwood 5f app hcp (5) gs in Sept.
Monte Major (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 11, 12l behind Divine Spirit (9-1) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.
Multahab 4-1jt-fav (9-4) Led, ridden over 1f out, heading and not quick inside final furlong, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Stoneacre Boy (8-10) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Charlotte Grey 3-1 (8-10) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened, last of 6, 10l behind Topflightcoolracer (8-13) at W'hampton 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Aug.
No Time (IRE) 3-1fav (9-3) Chased leaders far side group, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 13, 6l behind Baybshambles (8-13) at Catterick 5f app hcp (6) gd.
Russian Rocket (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 9l behind Cornus (9-4) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Sofinella (IRE) 4-1co-fav (8-10) With leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 10, 14l behind Sandwith (8-5) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
