led after 2f, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
slow away, held up behind, ridden 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, never troubled leaders
led for 2f, ridden over 2f out, one pace final 2f, no impression
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
in touch, weakened final 3f
tracked leaders, though lost place over 4f out, never dangerous after
in touch, ran wide on bend after 2f, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, no impression over 1f out
held up behind, effort over 3f, never dangerous
slow away, behind, pushed along over 5f out, never dangerous
Most of those that have raced previously do not look anything special so a chance is taken with Banzine, a well-bred newcomer that hails from a yard that always have to be respected with runners of this type. That is not to dismiss the claims of Rohaani and Bold Eagle, who will no doubt be popular choices simply because of their illustrious trainer's record. Ebtikaar has the benefit of a recent run and is respected. Whereas Royal Jet is the most experienced in the field but already looks exposed. He now has something to prove and will struggle in handicaps off his current mark. Consular made a favourable impression on his debut and can pick up a small race somewhere along the line. However, the form is not working out and he may be vulnerable to a less exposed type. Rohaani is related to several winners in the States and was an expensive purchase when he went through the sales ring. However, he may not want the ground too soft and is probably best watched. Therefore, Bold Eagle may be the best of Sir Michael Stoute's duo here. The market will provide the clues on that score. Nevertheless, we prefer to take a chance with Banzine, who is related to several useful performers at around this trip. Mark Johnston's patient approach with his three-year-olds has been rewarding to note over the years and, with the likelihood off fair odds being available, Banzine can is worth a small investment today.
Banzine (IRE) Barathea colt, brother to winning miler Blue Steller, half-brother to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Barataria 12-1 Dwelt and behind, driven and headway 2f out, ridden and kept on under pressure final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 11, 9l behind Taakeed at Ripon 1m 3yo mdn hvy.
Bold Eagle (IRE) 7-1 Slowly away, behind and soon pushed along, never going pace to challenge, 12th of 21, 16l behind Proclamation at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (D2) sft in Oct.
Consular 6-1 Held up in touch, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Tawqeet at Nottingham 1m 2yo mdn (D3) hvy in Nov.
Ebtikaar (IRE) 14-1 In touch, every chance over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Top Gear at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn gf.
Rohaani (USA) High Yield colt, related to several winning sprinters in Canada and the USA.
The Cooie (IRE) Sadler's Wells colt, half-brother to 3 winners between 6f & 1m2f.
Royal Jet 10-11fav Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 8l behind Louise Rayner at Nottingham 1m 2f 2yo mdn (D3) hvy in Oct.
