chased leaders in 3rd, disputing 2nd when ran wide entering straight, lost 2nd 3f out, hung left and weakened over 2f out
took keen hold, held up in 5th, headway and went 3rd 3f out, led over 2f out, soon hung right and driven, in command final furlong, eased near finish
well in rear, badly tailed off straight
took keen hold, held up in 6th and off the pace, plugged on from 2f out, went modest 4th final furlong, never troubled leaders
slowly away, well behind, plugged on final 2f, never in contention
soon tracking leader, disputing 2nd into straight, ridden and carried right 2f out, ridden and went 2nd 1f out, no chance with winner
took keen hold, held up in rear, tailed off entering straight
held up in 7th and off the pace, stumbled 7f out, struggling when hung left from 3f out
led, ran wide entering straight, driven along and headed over 2f out, one pace and no impression when lost 2nd 1f out
ponied to post, raced in 4th, ridden 2f out, disputing 4th and no chance when hung left over 2f out
Plavius looks to have scared off most of the meaningful opposition in this contest and we think he can account for Talayeb and Magpie. The megamillion purchase failed to deliver on introduction last season but it looks a fair shout that most of the meaningful opposition were scared off by his presence at this level and it is to be hoped that Godolphin can start to recoup the first instalment on their outlay. Talayeb will be the benchmark that this form will be judged against. He is clearly no star in the Tregoning outfit but his recent Newmarket second appears solid on balance. Magpie is a well named Hawk Wing gelding. Related to a number of winners, he has to be respected if money is seen for him. Who's This was never seen at the track again after a modest run at Lingfield last season. Sacred Flame is in receipt of a fillies' allowance. She should have done better than her form suggests and will be of more interest once sent handicapping. The remainder have it to do. A race that revolves around Plavius and expect him to be priced accordingly.
Ma Ridge 66-1 (9-10) Led until headed 3f out, kept on until weakened over 1f out, 5th of 14, 14l behind Transfer (9-0) at Lingfield 7f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Jun.
Who's This (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 12l behind Come April (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jun '07.
Al Mogeer (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) With winner 2f, ridden 6f out, weakened 3f out, last of 8, well behind Prince Hamlet (9-3) at Southwell 1m 2yo mdn (5) fbs in Dec.
Cape Roberto (IRE) 40-1 (9-3) Dwelt, always in rear, last of 10, 43l behind Kalahari Gold (9-3) at Salisbury 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Magpie (IRE) Hawk Wing gelding, half-brother to 1m2f winner Mississippian.
Plavius (USA) 9-4 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 14l behind Prime Exhibit (9-0) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Sarah's Boy 20-1 (8-8) Went right start, pulled hard in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 32l behind Black Dahlia (9-2) at Great Leighs 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Apr.
Steady Gaze 100-1 (9-0) Prominent when badly hampered after 1f, stayed in touch, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 14, 31l behind Moon Sister (8-9) at Warwick 1m 3f mdn stk (5) sft.
Talayeb 14-1 (9-3) Led, challenged from 2f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Harald Bluetooth (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Jun.
Sacred Flame (USA) 14-1 (8-12) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, stayed on same pace, 9th of 14, 15l behind Armure (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f mdn fll (5) pol.
