raced alone on far side and well on terms, driven to lead inside final furlong, edged left, stayed on well
took keen hold in rear, some headway over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon hung right and one pace
led, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
steadied and pulled hard in rear, some headway over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
This looks an enthralling three-year-old handicap and from a shortlist of Tudor Key, Namibian Orator, History Lesson and TAKAATUF, it is the last-named who is fancied to prevail. A course and distance winner three weeks ago, the selection showed real battling qualities to stretch clear for victory. He has been put up 3lb in the weights as a result but we know that he likes quick ground and he has the scope to keep improving further on this surface. Mutamaashi (also owned by Sheikh Hamdam al Maktoum) was a winner on his debut at Lingfield and then not disgraced in defeat at Ripon; he shaped like this trip might suit although his pedigree may ask a few questions. Hyades and History Lesson both have plenty of scope and come here on a high after wins last time, whilst Tudor Key was a winner here over a mile in September. He was well-held on his reappearance and it may be that he is high enough in the weights. Doctor Crane may be a similar story, but the most interesting rival is Namibian Orator. He did plenty wrong on his debut at Windsor but in the end he won well and looked as if he would only benefit from that run; a mark of 87 gives him a chance and he is unlikely to be far away. A top race, with preference for Takaatuf.
Doctor Crane (USA) 16-1 (9-4) Led after 2f, joined 4f out, still every chance 2f out, headed narrowly over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Aqwaal (8-4) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Apr.
Tudor Key (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Keen, held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 9l behind Perpetually (8-9) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr.
Mutamaashi 6-5fav (9-0) Slowly into stride, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on, always held, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Crackdown (9-7) at Ripon 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr.
Takaatuf (IRE) 9-4 (8-13) Made all, strongly pressed when edged left over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, going away towards finish, won at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf beating Dubai Crest (9-1) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Hyades (USA) 8-11fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, hung left and led 2f out, soon ridden and ran on well, won at Yarmouth 1m mdn auc stks (6) gf in Apr beating Ithbaat (8-12) by 4l, 7 ran.
Namibian Orator (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon edged left, ridden to lead well inside final furlong, won at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr beating Outrageous Request (9-3) by nk, 14 ran.
History Lesson 10-11fav (8-10) Made all, broke well, led, steadied pace 6f out, pressed from over 4f out, ran on strongly from 2f out, drew clear final furlong, won at Folkestone 1m 2f mdn auc stks (6) gf in Apr beating Light Dubai (8-5) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
