raced centre, chased leader till over 2f out, weakened, eased final furlong
raced centre, switched left to race centre after 1f, pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
raced far side, held up, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace
raced centre, led centre group, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
raced far side, towards rear, never nearer
raced centre, held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out
raced far side, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, eased final furlong
raced far side, switched right to race far side, made all, ridden clear 2f out, ran on
raced far side, held up, headway to chase winner 2f out, edged left and kept on one pace final furlong
raced centre, switched left after 1f to race centre, always in rear
raced far side, chased winner, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
The European Free handicap can give us some clues to the first classics, and top-weight Russian Valour can stake his claim for the 2000 guineas, with Brunel and Carrizo Creek the main dangers. Russian Valour is trained by Mark Johnson who has a whole host of fancies for the colts classic. This son of Fasiliyev won three out of five races early last season, culminating in a superb victory over Kheleyf in the Norfolk Stakes. He has only raced over the minimum trip so far, but his dam was successful over this trip so it shouldn't be a problem. Brunel was most impressive when winning his maiden at Salisbury by nine lengths, and wasn't disgraced next time when a close up fifth behind Milk It Mick in a Group three contest here. Carrizo Creek had a marvellous two-year-old campaign, landing a hat-trick of victories, including the Richmond Stakes. His stable is in great form and a big run is expected. So a fantastic line-up and it will take a decent horse to land first prize and we give the vote to Russian Valour.
