in touch, chased leaders approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next
mid-division, close up approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakening when hit 2 out
towards rear, keen early, lost place from after 4 out
mid-division, smooth headway to join leaders 3 out, led next, shaken up approaching last, soon drew clear, comfortably
led, headed 4 out, still every chance 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace
tracked leaders, led 4th, ridden, headed 3 out, soon one pace
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out to chase leaders, soon one pace
Knight Valliant is the answer to this puzzle with Kalahari King and Luna Landing selected as alternatives. The selection was a fairly modest performer on the level but showed glimpses of the ability of his near-sibling, Arcalis first time out over hurdles and can go on. Kalahari King ran solidly on debut and the ex-French horse can be expected to improve. Luna Landing was not without ability on the level although has a bit to do on the bare form. Collateral Damage was useful enough over middle distances on the level and is watched in the market. Speedy Sam could be anything for transition to the winter game. Tucker was not disgraced on debut but was sold cheaply for such a high rated horse on the level. Plenty of future winners to come from this race and Knight Valliant looks best of those to have raced thus far.
Knight Valliant 8-1 (11-0) Soon tracking leaders, hit 2nd, led 3 out, clear last, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd beating Tucker (11-0) by 8l, 11 ran.
Collateral Damage (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden along and headway 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Buccellati (8-8) at Doncaster 1m 2f stk 0-85 (3) gf in Sept (Flat).
Emerald Bay (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 10, 23l behind Quicuyo (11-5) at Ayr 2m hdl (3) hvy.
Kalahari King (FR) 11-4fav (11-0) Mid-division, smooth headway after 4 out, ridden and staying on when hit 2 out and last, no impression flat, 3rd of 14, 5l behind All Noble (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Nov.
Luna Landing 10-1 (11-0) Prominent until weakened 2 out, 4th of 11, 22l behind Seeking Justice (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
Speedy Directa (GER) 13-2 (10-12) Held up towards rear, hit 5th, effort approaching next, soon beaten, 5th of 14, 19l behind Oh Crick (10-12) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Speedy Sam 3-1fav (9-5) Held up 5th, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on again final furlong, not reach leaders, 6th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Bid For Glory (9-2) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-95 (3) pol (Flat).
Still At Lunch (IRE) 2-1fav (11-2) Led, soon clear, ridden over 2f out, kept on, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov beating La Pantera Rosa (11-2) by 6l, 9 ran.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 10l behind Dasheena (8-5) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol (Flat).
Tucker 11-4fav (11-0) Held up and keen, headway after 4 out, chased winner after 2 out, hit last, no impression, 2nd of 11, 8l behind Knight Valliant (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
