slowly into stride, soon pushed along in mid-division, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, headway over 2f out, kept on well to lead just inside final furlong, edged left, ridden out
slowly into stride, always behind
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, effort 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear
slowly into stride, always towards rear
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression
with leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, kept on
AFRICAN ART can get punters off to a good start; the list of dangers is headed by Border Patrol and Ebiayn. Brian Meehan's colt showed up well on his debut at Newmarket back in October when he finished fourth behind Captain Dancer. He was doing his best work at the finish that day over 7f so this step-up in trip should suit and as we know he goes well fresh he should take plenty of beating. Border Patrol, a half-brother to six winners, also showed up well on his debut back in October. He was done no favours by the draw that day so it will be interesting to see if he can build on that run today. Ebiayn was not given a hard time on his debut last year when he finished third behind Neuchatel. He should be capable of winning races and he does have a good draw. Reportage is an interesting newcomer from the John Gosden yard and it would be no surprise to see him go well on his racecourse bow. The market may provide the clues here and we will stick with African Art as the pick.
Almutawaazin 20-1 (9-3) Prominent early, mid-division halfway, weakened quickly over 3f out, 17th of 18, 38l behind Monitor Closely (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Bahkov (IRE) 11-2 (8-12) Close up, ran green and outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, shaken up and kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Monsieur Fillioux (8-13) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
Border Patrol 9-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Palavicini (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
December 4-1 (9-3) Prominent on inside, ridden over 2f out, weakened raapidly over 1f out, eased final furlong, last of 14, 17l behind Brief Candle (8-12) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug.
Dreamcoat 7-1 (9-3) Dwelt and in rear, ridden 3f out, soon beaten, 9th of 13, 15l behind Mooakada (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Ebiayn (FR) 6-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f, driven and kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 3/4l behind Neuchatel (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Eye For The Girls 18-1 (9-3) Started very slowly, always well behind, tailed off, last of 9, 35l behind Midnight In May (9-3) at Brighton 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Oct.
Inside Trade (IRE) Xaar gelding out of Azolia.
Pachakutek (USA) 12-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 13, 6l behind Mooakada (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Refuse Toulouse (IRE) 28-1 (9-3) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, 17l behind Everynight (9-3) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Mar.
Reportage (USA) Elusive Quality colt out of Journalist.
South Easter (IRE) Galileo colt out of Dance Treat.
Highgate Cat 14-1 (8-12) Steadied to rear, keen, held up, ran green, ridden over 1f out, never near leaders, 6th of 11, 10l behind Head Down (8-12) at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Mar.
African Art (USA) 10-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, shaken up and headway from over 1f out, stayed on well, never reach leaders, 4th of 14, 4l behind Captain Dancer (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Hi Fling 15-2 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, driven and soon weakened, 6th of 13, 8l behind Mooakada (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Satwa Star (IRE) King's Best colt out of Sheppard's Watch.
