Verdict

SEQUOIA finished a close-up fourth at Ascot on his debut despite having to be switched for a run in the closing stages. The runner-up has since boosted the form with a victory and Barry Hill's Gimcrack and Champagne Stakes entry gets the vote. Moustache made a promising start when runner-up at Newbury only to disappoint at Chepstow last time, while stablemate Tidy Affair was also a losing favourite at Windsor on his second start. Wolf Spirit is another who failed to build on a decent introduction, but Menelik should improve on his debut effort at Newmarket. Newcomer Muarrab has an expensive price-tag, as well as the breeding and the fancy entries that entitle him to consideration and the same can be said of fellow debutant War Crown.

Formwatch

Blue Surf Excellent Art colt out of Wavy Up.

Drummoyne (USA) 7-2 (9-3) Close up, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 8l behind Stormy Whatever (9-3) at Catterick 6f 2yo mdn (5) sft.

Karma Chameleon 28-1 (9-3) Towards rear, effort 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression, 4th of 7, 8l behind Commanche (9-3) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs.

Kinglami Kingsalsa colt out of Red Japonica.

Larwood (IRE) Aussie Rules colt out of Ashbilya.

Llanarmon Lad (IRE) Red Clubs colt out of Blue Crystal.

Menelik (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) In rear, never a factor, 9th of 14, 7l behind Rougemont (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd.

Moustache (IRE) 1-3fav (9-3) In touch, pushed along and headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Avon Pearl (9-3) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Jun.

Muarrab Oasis Dream colt out of Licence To Thrill.

Sequoia 8-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders on rail, green and outpaced inside final 2f, stayed on again inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 1 1/4l behind Moon Pearl (9-3) at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (3) gf.

Tidy Affair (IRE) 7-2fav (9-3) Dwelt, soon intouch on inside, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, switched right to rail inside final furlong, kept on to 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Radiomarelli (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.

Warcrown (IRE) Azamour colt out of Alikhlas.

Wolf Spirit (IRE) 15-8 (9-3) Held up, ridden, headway and edged left over 1f out, stayed on same pace, well held by front pair, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Letsgoroundagain (9-3) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.