tracked leader, outpaced and lost place after 2f, weakened over 2f out
tracked leader, every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace approaching final furlong
led, driven halfway, headed just over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
behind, headway on outside over 2f out, stayed on into 3rd inside final furlong, never able to challenge
dwelt, in touch, took closer order halfway, led just over 2f out, driven clear final furlong, impressive
went right start, in touch, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on closing stages, never a threat
Mark Johnston gets plenty of winners here despite the long journey down from North Yorkshire and won this contest last year. GOBI SUNSET will need to step up on last month’s fourth at Wolverhampton but the first three home have all subsequently won so that form looks better in hindsight. He should have the measure of Dark Kris and Activius but one of the newcomers may prove dangerous. Desert Palms is a 320,000gns first foal of a Group 3 winner while Guildsman is another to note given the good form of Archie Watson’s two-year-old runners and that pair are preferred to Will To Win and Owney Madden.
Activius (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Went right start, sent forward to chase leaders, driven halfway, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 9 3/4l behind Wild Thunder (9-5) at Goodwood 6f stks (4) gd in May.
Dark Kris (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Went left start, in touch, ridden over 1f out, never on terms, 5th of 11, 5 1/4l behind Symbolize (9-5) at Salisbury 5f stks (4) gf in May.
Desert Palms Oasis Dream colt out of Be My Gal.
Gobi Sunset 15-2 (9-5) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, lost 2nd 1f out, stayed on same pace towards finish, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Pinatubo (9-5) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (4) pol in May.
Good Earth (IRE) Acclamation colt out of Madhatten.
Guildsman (FR) Wootton Bassett colt out of Dardiza.
Owney Madden Oasis Dream colt out of Terre Du Vent.
Exciting Days (USA) Blame colt out of Whenthetimeisright.
Will To Win (GER) Showcasing colt out of Win For Life.
