tracked leading pair, chased winner 4f out, driven along over 2f out, soon no response and beaten
tracked leading trio, went 3rd 3f out, disputing well held 2nd 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, pushed along and in command final 2f, unchallenged
dwelt, held up, headway over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner
chased winner to 4f out, soon ridden and behind
Nonrunner
KAROUSH is sure to be a warm order but he can shed his maiden tag; the list of dangers is headed by Jesse James and Absinthe. The selection has been off the racecourse since June last year but he looks a useful sort and if he is fit enough here then it is hard to see him being turned over. The form of the Sir Michael Stoute yard is another plus. Jesse James chased home Eastern Empire at Goodwood when last seen out in May and although that was a decent run, he has had a few chances now and we are happy to give him the swerve. Absinthe is another with an absence to overcome but this colt from the Walter Swinburn yard ran well over 7f at Newmarket last time and he is bred to be suited by this longer trip. Jeremy Noseda sends Stoic to post here and although he was well beaten on his debut, that was a hot Newmarket maiden won by Evasive who has since gone on to advertise the form. It will be a surprise if either Free Falling or Ma Patrice are good enough, and we will stick with Karoush as our idea of the winner.
Karoush (USA) 4-11fav (9-2) Held up behind leaders, ridden along and headway over 1f out, driven to challenge and every chance approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, nk behind San Jose City (9-2) at Thirsk 7f mdn stks (5) gs in Jun '08.
Absinthe (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Keen, held up, ridden and headway and hung left from over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Emirates Roadshow (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Jesse James (IRE) 8-13fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, soon in touch, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not quite pace to challenge, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Eastern Empire (9-0) at Goodwood 1m mdn stks (5) gf in May.
Stoic (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 5th of 13, 7l behind Evasive (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Oct.
Free Falling 12-1 (9-3) Always behind, struggling and lost touch over 2f out, soon weakened, tailed off, last of 14, 33l behind Chief Red Cloud (9-4) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jun.
Ma Patrice 33-1 (7-12) Always in rear, 9th of 10, 11l behind Rosy Dawn (9-0) at Folkestone 1m 2f fll hcp (5) gf.
