prominent, led after 2f, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra towards finish
led 2f, prominent, ridden over 2f out, led again over 1f out, headed last strides
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway and hung left 2f out, ran on to lead last strides
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on, not reach leaders
started very slowly, always behind
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden and hung right from 4f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden 5f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on, never troubled leaders
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
This may not take much winning, and so Mitanni is selected to defy an absence of over a year to oblige over Ektimaal, La Grande Zoa and Natacha Rostow. There is not much strength in depth here, and it would be no surprise if Mitanni was forward enough to build on two promising efforts last term at Folkestone and Lingfield. Amanda Perret's charge was only just denied at the Surrey track last August, and although the form is probably nothing special, he did more than enough to suggest that losing his maiden tag will be a formality. Ektimaal was not that far behind in sixth place at Warwick 11 days ago, and this half-brother to Secret Place should be in the shake-up along with La Grande Zoa who looks a likeable sort. Natacha Rostow did not cost the earth but is a half-sister to Red Ruby so is worth considering for the future, but for now we shall side with Mitanni who can boast a bit of experience.
Ektimaal 15-2 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 6th of 15, 2l behind Lady Edge (9-3) at Warwick 1m mdn aut stk (6) gd.
Esthlos (FR) 7-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and every chance from over 2f out, not quicken final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Mujelle (9-0) at Southwell 7f mdn auc (7) fbs in Dec.
Mitanni (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and switched left over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind Zambach (8-5) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Aug '05.
The Aldbury Flyer 66-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, kept on final 2f, never near leaders, 6th of 16, 8l behind Aryaamm (8-12) at Leicester 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gf.
Desert Island Miss Medicean filly out of an unraced mare.
Natacha Rostow Pursuit of Love filly, half-sister to 7f winner Red Ruby.
Zamhrear 14-1 (8-12) Chased leaders until weakened rapidly 2f out, 8th of 12, 22l behind Spirit of The Fen (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn fll (5) pol in Aug.
Grain Only Machiavellian filly out of 1m5f winner All Grain.
