close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, chased leader 2f out, led on bit over 1f out, shaken up and soon clear
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden 3f out, soon struggling
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, hung left and went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
chased leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
dwelt, soon in touch, led over 2f out, hung left and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly away, in rear, ridden 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened 1f out
Strategic Mover gets the vote in this maiden; the list of dangers is headed by Without Prejudice and Classic Descent. The selection hails from a yard who have had a good start to the season and he wasn't beaten far behind East Drive on his seasonal bow. He should come on plenty for that outing and he sets the standard for the rest. Without Prejudice really catches the eye on breeding and this colt is certainly one to note in the market on his racecourse debut. The yard have done well with their 3-year-olds this season so it will not be a surprise to see him go close. Classic Descent is lightly-raced and he dead-heated over this course and distance when last seen out. However, he has an absence to overcome today and he will need to have progrsssed over the winter if he is to take this. Sir Michael Stoute's E Major has a bit to prove, but he should strip fitter for his run at Beverley last month. However, Strategic Mover sets a decent standard and should be hard to beat.
Strategic Mover (USA) 6-5fav (9-3) Tracked leader, challenged from 2f out, upsides and stayed challenging throughout final furlong, held towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind East Drive (9-3) at Goodwood 7f 3yo mdn (5) gs.
