Verdict

Tactic is the obvious one but it may pay to be brave and give ROMAN REPUBLIC the vote. Around half of this field can be ruled out but that still leaves us with around nine contenders to sift through with few clues available to decipher. Tactic's claims are glaring as he went into every notebook following his fast finishing fourth over course and distance; he's a son of Sadler's Wells and has a Racing Post Trophy. He'll be short enough as a result though so an each-way interest on Roman Republic is suggested instead. He lacks a run but has an entry in the same juvenile contest as well as the Dewhurst; he's a half-brother to a juvenile winner, should handle cut in the ground and hails from a yard that does well with its two year olds at this track. Spencer presumably has the choice between Advisor and Brian Meehan's three and the chosen one must be worth keeping an eye on whilst it's probably safe to discard the others. The other four to have raced all did enough to think that they can get involved if making the expected improvement whilst Decorum's dam was top class in Argentina and she can already count a champion two year old filly amongst her offspring. This race should provide a few future winners, as far as today's concerned though we'll be hoping that Roman Republic prevails.

Formwatch

Advisor (FR) Anabaa colt, half-brother to a winning sprinter in Italy.

Bothy Pivotal colt out of Villa Carlotta.

Brunston High Chaparral colt out of Molly Mello.

Cousin Charlie Choisir colt out of triple 5f-6f winner Michelle Ma Belle.

Decorum (USA) Dynaformer colt out of Shy Greeting.

Eastern Warrior Barathea gelding out of Shakalaka Baby.

Final Victory Generous colt out of Persian Victory.

Gibb River (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Slowly away, behind, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 8th of 17, 6l behind Control Zone (9-3) at Newbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept.

Hope Junior (USA) Strong Hope colt out of L'Amour Toujours.

Lava Steps (USA) 25-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, switched left over 3f out, soon ridden, headway 2f out, stayed on, 7th of 15, 12l behind Heliodor (9-3) at Goodwood 1m 1f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.

Mehendi (IRE) Indian Danehill gelding out of 1m4f winner Wedding Cake.

Roman Republic (FR) Cape Cross colt, half-brother to winning miler Hurricane Mist.

Rowan Tiger Tiger Hill colt out of Lemon Tree.

Skanky Biscuit Peintre Celebre colt, half-brother to winning miler Western Gleam and 1m2f winner Eclaircie.

Tactic 18-1 (9-3) Mid-division, shaken up and switched right over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, 4th of 18, 5l behind Alazeyab (9-3) at Newbury 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept.

Whisky Galore 66-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden along 3f out, no progress, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 11, 8l behind Four Winds (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept.

Clinging Vine (USA) 40-1 (9-0) Started slowly, in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 6th of 14, 10l behind Ave (9-0) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) pol in Sept.

Going For Gold Barathea filly out of Flash of Gold.