tracked leaders, ridden to lead inside final 2f, in command over 1f out, kept on strongly
tracked leader, led halfway, ridden and headed inside final 2f, weakened quickly, finished slightly lame
slowly into stride, held up in touch, headway on outside to chase winner inside final 2f, no impression over 1f out, soon edged right
slowly into stride, in touch, ridden 3f out, soon beaten
held up in rear, headway and switched left to outside over 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd over 1f out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
led until halfway, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
Several of these have bright futures ahead of them, but a chance is taken that Derby entry Hearthstead Maison can live up to the promise he showed on his debut and his scope for improvement helps tip the scales in his favour over Caldra and Norisan, who are both likely to attract interest from the betting market after several pleasing efforts posted between them. It is also interesting that Jamie Spencer keeps faith with Moudez, whom he guided to victory in a modest looking maiden at Newmarket in August (that said, the runner up did win next time out.) Spencer's mount lacks any fancy entries but is one to bear in mind for future reference. Norisan has won two of his six previous starts and holds experience of this course. However, he was no match for Caldra when they met at Goodwood last month and now has something to prove. Caldra, in turn, sets the standard on what they have shown so far and having landed the valuable Tattersalls October Auction Stakes eight days ago, he is not going to be any pushover. A small field should not trouble Sylvester Kirk's charge and, odds permitting, he is worth a saver. However, Hearthstead Maison has stacks of potential and, considering Mark Johnston's propensity towards Ascot winners, it is safe to assume this fellow makes the journey down from Middleham with the expectation of him registering another big run - at a fair price to boot.
Caldra (IRE) 9-2fav (9-1) Raced stand side, in touch, headway over 1f out, led inside last, ran on, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo aut (2) sft in Sept beating Tobosa (9-1) by 1/2l, 28 ran.
Hearthstead Maison (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Dwelt, led over 6f out, ridden over 1f out, soon clear, won at Chepstow 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Sept beating Aaim To Prosper (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Kid Mambo (USA) 4-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden to lead well over 2f out, clear over 1f out, driven out, won at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Sept beating Yossi (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Manchurian 2-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (3) pol in Aug beating Thunder Storm Cat (9-3) by 3l, 10 ran.
Moudez (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, effort and hung left approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Aug beating Strobilus (9-0) by 2l, 13 ran.
Norisan 9-1 (9-0) Led after 2f, headed inside final 2f, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Caldra (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Sept.
Overturn (IRE) 9-4fav (9-3) Tracked leading pair, led over 2f out, driven, in command inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn aut (4) gf in Aug beating Murbek (9-3) by 3l, 10 ran.
Spanish Hidalgo (IRE) 5-2 (9-7) Tracked leader, keen hold, led over 3f out, ridden clear over 1f out, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp (4) sft in Aug beating Little Miss Wizzy (8-3) by 3l, 8 ran.
