towards rear, ridden 3f out, no real progress, never nearer
chased leading group, kept on to take 3rd over 1f out, no chance with leading pair
led, ridden over 2f out, hard pressed inside final furlong, caught final strides
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, took 4th inside final furlong, never nearer
tracked leaders on outside, ridden over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to lead final strides
awkward start, started very slowly, always in rear group
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, no impression 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong
towards rear, outpaced 3f out, soon beaten
mid-division, ridden 4f out, soon lost touch and beaten
tracked leader, effort 3f out, lost 2nd 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden 3f out, stayed on final 2f, never troubled leaders
Emperor Court is a tentative pick ahead of Esteem Machine and Miss Gibraltar. Emperor Court did not show a lot on debut but there were enough signs in the market to suggest that Peter Makin's runner had shown ability on the gallops at home. Slowly away, there is no getting away from the fact that this was an inauspicious start to proceedings but the booking of Seb Sanders on this occasion is an unquestionable positive and we are prepared to grant a second chance. Esteem Machine continues in maiden company despite having the requisite runs for a handicap mark. He has been unfortunate to run into some decent opposition but excuses are starting to run out at this stage. Miss Gibraltar is a well-bred type and is watched closely in the market. The Rock Of Gibraltar filly will probably improve for further but can be anticipated to run a nice race. Parisian Dream is on a third run and encounters fast ground for the first time. Storm Petrel ran an eyecatcher on debut at Wolverhampton in November but that race looked weaker than this and substantial improvement is required. Emperor Court is forgiven a bad debut and is taken to pick up the pieces.
Capping (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 10, 10l behind Arabian Gleam (9-0) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (5) pol in May.
Emperor Court (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up, driven along on inside over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 7, 9l behind Bold Abbott (9-3) at Goodwood 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd in May.
Esteem Machine (USA) 15-2 (9-0) Led, driven and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Transcend (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 3yo mdn (4) gs in May.
Hot Property (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Mid-division, under pressure halfway, soon beaten, 7th of 12, 13l behind Transcend (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 3yo mdn (4) gs in May.
Parisian Dream 10-1 (9-3) Dwelt, raced keenly, soon chased leaders on outer, ridden 2f out, outpaced by front pair final furlong, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Look So (8-12) at Newbury 7f 3yo mdn (4) gs in May.
Ravenhill Ralph (IRE) Raphane gelding out of 7f winner Winter Dolphin.
Appleby 14-1 (9-0) Held up, headway on outside from 2f out, stayed on steadily inside final furlong, finished well, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Truly Enchanting (9-0) at Goodwood 7f 3yo mdn fll (5) gd in May.
Astarte 66-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, weakened over 3f out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Latanazul (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 4f 3yo mdn fll (4) gs in May.
Miss Gibraltar Rock of Gibraltar filly, half-sister to 1m4f winner Gifted Musician.
Now You See Me 25-1 (9-0) Took keen hold, raced wide in mid-division, effort 2f out, no extra and one paced from over 1f out, 5th of 13, 5l behind Madrigale (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn fll (5) pol in Mar.
Storm Petrel 9-4 (8-2) Towards rear, ridden and staying on when edged left over 1f out, not reach leading trio, 4th of 13, 2l behind Speedy Suzanne (8-2) at W'hampton 6f mdn stk (5) pol in Nov.
