in touch, hampered on inside well over 1f out, no danger after
soon mid-division on inside, ridden when hampered well over 1f out, no chance after
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 5f out, chased leaders 4f out, driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard early, steadied towards rear, came wide straight, hampered and switched right soon after, never a factor until passed weakening horses inside final furlong
chased leader to 2f out, weakened quickly
always in rear
mid-division, soon tracking leaders, went 2nd 2f out, closed on leader inside final furlong, pushed along and stayed on well to lead final 100 yards
dwelt, held up in mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
slowly away, effort towards rear, headway under pressure over 2f out, stayed on to chase leading pair inside final furlong, unable to quicken near finish
mid-division, switched right and headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
soon led, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, headed final 100 yards, lost 2nd near finish
held up towards rear on inside, switched out and still plenty to do over 1f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, went 2nd near finish, not quite reached leader
never better than mid-division
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, faded inside final furlong
An excellent prize for the track for this conditions contest and we will take AKHENATEN to follow up a good recent Wolverhampton win, while Haashed and Close Alliance are among numerous dangers. Akhenaten came back to form with a good effort to win with a shade more in hand than the official margin suggested last time and the longer trip at Wolverhampton suited. He gets that again here, the yard continues in form and he would appear to have every chance at these weights. Haashed returns to the track after just one run, when he won at Lingfield over a mile. Four months off will have done no harm and as a very likely improver he is much respected. Close Alliance represents John Gosden and won on his debut at Great Leighs in October. He is another likely to come on for that and he can get heavily involved. The same trainer applies first-time blinkers to Mafaaz, who has plenty of ability and is another who should be thereabouts, while Markyg won in the manner of an improver over 7f here last time and pedigree suggests that this longer trip will suit. Spring Of Fame has not torn up any trees yet but is in winning form and would be entitled to go up another notch, but Akhenaten is the one for us.
Agente Parmigiano (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, under pressure approaching final furlong, soon one pace, 7th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Johnmanderville (8-1) at Newmarket 7f 2yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Sept.
Akhenaten 11-10fav (9-0) Steadied start, held up last in touch, headway over 2f out, shaken up to lead 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f Cond Stakes (4) pol beating Splinter Cell (8-9) by 2l, 3 ran.
Close Alliance (USA) 15-2 (9-3) Pushed along briefly, soon held up in touch, effort over 1f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, asserted towards finish, won at Great Leighs 1m 2yo mdn (4) pol in Oct beating Redding Colliery (9-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Deposer (IRE) 13-10 (8-4) Blocked, steadied 3/16, 7th of 10, 14l behind Rockin' Joe (8-6) at Keeneland 1m std in Oct.
Haashed (USA) 7-4fav (9-3) Soon tracked leader, going well and led inside final 2f, soon clear, unchallenged final furlong, pushed out, easily, won at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov beating Formula (9-3) by 2l, 10 ran.
Keeptheboatafloat (USA) 50-1 (8-7) 7th of 12, 7l behind City Style (8-7) at Nad Al Sheba 7f Cond Stakes.
Mafaaz 16-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, headway over 3f out, pressing leaders over 1f out, ran on, 5th of 24, 2l behind Donativum (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo aut (2) gf in Oct.
Markyg (USA) 2-1fav (9-7) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, quickened to lead inside final furlong, steadily drew clear, readily, won at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Feb beating Grand Honour (8-11) by 2l, 7 ran.
Mastery 5-1 (9-3) Chased leader, ridden over 2f out, every chance well over 1f out, staying on when slightly hampered inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind On Our Way (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo stk (2) gd in Oct.
Shampagne 14-1 (8-12) Took keen hold behind, ridden over 2f out, when slightly bumped no impression on leaders after, 7th of 13, 7l behind Evasive (8-12) at Newbury 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Sohcahtoa (IRE) 40-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 9th of 24, 4 1/2l behind Donativum (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo aut (2) gf in Oct.
Spring of Fame (USA) 5-6fav (9-5) Held up last, in touch, progress to lead 2f out, ridden and hung left 1f out, soon clear and in command final furlong, pushed out, comfortably, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Laurie Grove (9-7) by 3l, 3 ran.
Talking Hands 14-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, 6th of 8, 9l behind Kite Wood (9-0) at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Weald Park (USA) 33-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden halfway, no impression, 7th of 15, 11l behind Crowded House (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct.
