close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, always in rear
slowly into stride, keen, towards rear, kept on 2f out, never dangerous
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
held up, came stand side over 4f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace
always towards rear, came stand side over 4f out, never dangerous
held up, headway on inside over 4f out, raced alone far side well over 3f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up mid-division, came stand side over 4f out, soon ridden, no impression
held up mid-division, lost place 6f out, came stand side over 4f out
tracked leaders, came stand side over 4f out, ridden and led over 2f out, ran on final furlong
held up, came stand side over 4f out, some headway over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
led, came stand side over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
always prominent, came stand side over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace
An interesting conditions event with some unexposed and potentially smart types taking on more established performers. Shami is a beautifully bred colt being by Rainbow Quest out of the multiple Group 1 heroine Bosra Sham and easily brushed aside three modest rivals to land a Doncaster maiden in late July. Hoever, that race took little winning and faces by much his stiffest test to date so looks worth opposing at cramped odds following a three-month break. Stablemate King's Consul is hard to assess having won his sole previous start on the dirt at Belmont Park late last year but it's fair to assume thaty he has not been easy to train and may be best watched on his belated return to action. King Solomon has had his limitations exposed in Listed/Group 3 company this term but will appreciate the drop in grade and can make an impact but the TEAMtalk vote goes to Murghem. Mark Johnston's seven-year-old has lost none of his zest for the game despite advancing years and a history of injury problems as he showed when narrowly defeated in a Listed event at Cologne last time. The son of Common Grounds had tried to make all but was caught close home and, despite rallying to good effect, was edged out in a tight finish but still drew four lengths clear of the remainder. A repeat performance should prove decisive in a fascinating finale.
