close up on inner until weakened well over 1f out
behind, effort and wide outside over 2f out, soon struggling
held up in rear, not clear run over 2f out, switched left to wide outside, ran on, never nearer
close up on inside, ridden to challenge from 2f out, switched left to press winner inside final furlong, soon every chance, held when carried left near finish
held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, kept on final furlong
close up in fourth place, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
led for 2f, settled behind leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
in mid-division, kept on under pressure final 2f, not paced to reach leaders
slowly away, keen hold in rear, effort on rails over 2f out, soon ridden and outpaced
mid-division, effort and ridden 3f out, kept on under pressure
held up in rear, headway, carried head to one side under pressure but kept on final 2f
tracked leader 8f out, led over 2f out, joined inside final furlong, edged left close home, held on well
close up in 6th place, ridden when saddle slipped 3f out and virtually pulled up
in mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, soon lost place and never dangerous after
led after 2f, ridden and headed over 2f out, chased winner to just inside final furlong, onepaced
keen hold in mid-division, kept on final 2f, never dangerous
always towards rear
The Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes is the first of many competitive handicaps at the Royal Meeting and a tentative vote just goes to Sir Michael Stoute's Hazim, who gets the nod over stable companion Researched and Arabie. The last mentioned has finished in the frame in two previous starts at this meeting when trained by Henry Cecil and now has his first start for Mark Johnston. The Middleham-based handler has a fine record here and he is sure to be wound up for his debut for current connections. However, Hazim looked an improved performer when staying on well over 1m2f at Redcar on his reappearance last month and, being by Darshaan, there should be improvement to come for the step up in trip. Kieren Fallon takes the mount on Stoute's other runner Researched, who has a similar profile to his stable mate and there may not be a great deal to chose between the two but, being by Danehill, Fallon's mount is less likely to stay this longer trip. November Handicap winner Red Wine, plus last time out winners Gallery God, Hambleden and Counsel's Opinion are others to consider but we side with Hazim to improve Sir Michael Stoute's already impressive record in this contest.
