in touch, ridden 2f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong and edged left
slowly into stride, never dangerous
mid-division and keen, ridden 2f out, soon held and eased final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
soon in touch, ridden to lead over 2f out, under pressure when headed inside final furlong
led after 1f, ridden when headed over 2f out and weakened
mid-division, effort on inside 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, faded
towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
led, headed after 1f, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten and eased
towards rear, headway on outside 4f out, ridden when switched left over 1f out, soon held
in touch, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
The market should provide a good guide to how this race will materialise particularly with the well-bred newcomer Kris Kin Line in the line-up. Sir Michael Stoute is not renowned for taking his juveniles to this venue but holds a noteworthy four juvenile winners from seven runners at this venue. We will side with experience though and give MEHENDI the nod. Brian Meehan's gelding who did hold an entry in next years Derby before that entry became non-feasible stayed on well to finish fourth on debut with another of today's rivals Whisky Galore just behind in sixth. He is bred to be effective over further while Brian Meehan, who is another trainer who¿s juveniles hold a good record at the venue in recent seasons is renowned for improving his juveniles from first to second runs. Whisky Galore not surprisingly attracted market support last time at Newbury having showed plenty of promise on debut in a hot Sandown maiden. Noordhoek Kid was a never nearer second at Great Leighs last time. He hails from a good family and is another that should be seen to better effect over trips in excess of a mile next season. Blue Tango, Am I Blue and Blaise Tower are others of note in this maiden but Mehendi is the selection.
Blue Tango (IRE) 10-3 (9-3) Led stand side group to halfway, stayed prominent, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 6 in group, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Saturn Way (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Cool Hand Jake Storming Home colt, half-brother to winning miler Cool Ebony.
Googoobarabajagal (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Raced far side, led group to 5f out, weakened over 2f out, last in group, 9th of 10, 19l behind Brazilian Art (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) sft in Sept.
Kris Kin Line (IRE) Kris Kin colt out of a lightly-raced mare.
Mehendi (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 5l behind Skanky Biscuit (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs.
Noordhoek Kid 25-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing winner, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Hula King (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 2yo mdn (4) pol.
Stafford Charlie Silver Patriarch colt out of flat and hurdles winner Miss Roberto.
Whisky Galore 11-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 15, 6l behind Skanky Biscuit (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs.
Am I Blue Dubai Destination filly, half-sister to numerous winners on the Flat and over hurdles including the smart Deep Purple.
Castlemaine 10-1 (8-12) Raced far side, held up behind leaders, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 7 in group, 10th of 13, 27l behind Saturn Way (9-3) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft.
Cool Libby (IRE) One Cool Cat filly, half-sister to winning miler Barawin.
Miss Kadee 50-1 (8-4) Slowly away and always behind, 14th of 15, 12l behind Portugese Caddy (8-9) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gf in Jun.
Blaise Tower Fantastic Light colt out of winning miler Blaise Castle.
