Verdict

There are some potentially interesting newcomers in the field for this opening contest, including David Simcock's Ajeeb, Ralph Beckett's Matula and Richard Hannon's Census but racing experience can often prove to be an advantage with juveniles and a stable companion of the last mentioned, STRICTLY RHYTHM, sets a decent standard and looks the one to beat. The daughter of Hawk Wing stepped up from her debut effort at Newbury when finding just Devoted too good on soft ground at Goodwood last month and she can go one better today with the faster ground not a problem. Sylvester Kirk's Charles Camoin ran better than expected first time up and has to be respected along with Mark Johnston's Colebrooke, who ran better at Thirsk earlier this month.

Formwatch

Ajeeb (USA) Harlan's Holiday colt out of Fair Settlement.

Arctic Reach 100-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, always behind, last of 12, 17l behind Ocean Drift (9-3) at Warwick 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jul.

Census (IRE) Cacique colt out of Slieve.

Charles Camoin (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Led until 3f out, chased winner until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 7l behind Treasury Devil (9-3) at Newbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Aug.

Colebrooke 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Mutajare (9-3) at Thirsk 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.

Private Cowboy (IRE) Danehill Dancer colt out of Dinka Raja.

Lady Deanie (IRE) Noverre filly out of Darling Deanie.

Matula (IRE) Halling filly out of Quaich.

Rosairlie (IRE) Halling filly out of Mrs Mason.

Strictly Rhythm 16-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, effort on inside when not much room 2f out, ridden over 1f out, switched left and stayed on well inside final furlong to go 2nd towards finish, not reached winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Devoted (8-6) at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) sft in Aug.

Tidal Run 14-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along inside final 3f, hampered inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 17, 10l behind Azameera (9-0) at Salisbury 7f 2yo fll mdn (3) gf.