led, ridden and headed over 1f out, driven and stayed on final furlong
dwelt, soon chased leaders, switched right and ran green over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, went right start, in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on, never nearer
mid-division, ridden and effort to go 3rd over 1f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
in touch, chased leader over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on
went left start, always in rear
close up, ridden and slightly outpaced over 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong
chased leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, gradually weakened
It may be worth opposing Taajub with NEW CHRISTMAS with Kona Coast perhaps best of the rest. Taajub sets an obvious standard and it wouldn't be any great surprise were he to become the third consecutive odds-on winner of this contest. He holds entries in the Gimcrack and Middle Park, showed up well in a decent race at Ascot and should take all the beating. Brian Meehan's juveniles often improve significantly for their initial experiences but there are notable exceptions and Martin Dwyer was aboard Conniption when she scored on debut. New Christmas has plenty of big race entries, is a half-brother to the talented (but ultimately disappointing Skadrak) so certainly looks the part on paper. Kona Coast wears blinkers which needn't necessarily be deemed as a negative; he has an attractive pedigree and the market will be useful but there's a chance that he may need further. Pirate's Song is another with a Group entry, his small yard is in top form and he could represent some value against Taajub but we'll go with New Christmas.
Arabian Pride 6-1 (8-12) Hampered start and behind, effort when not clear run, switched right over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 5, 2 3/4l behind Kaptain Kirkup (9-0) at Newcastle 6f 2yo nov stk (4) gf in Jun.
Gabriel's Spirit (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt out of Over Rating.
Ice Viking (IRE) Danehill Dancer colt out of Maddelina.
Kona Coast Oasis Dream colt out of Macadamia.
Maldon Prom (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Dwelt, soon tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 13l behind Hairspray (9-0) at Newmarket 6f 2yo stks (3) gs.
New Christmas (USA) Smoke Glacken colt out of Occhi Verdi.
Taajub (IRE) 5-1fav (9-3) Prominent, chased winner over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Trailblazing (9-3) at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (3) gd.
Al Barq (IRE) Traditionally filly out of Prayer.
Electric City (IRE) 100-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, towards rear, pushed along 3f out, moderate effort over 1f out, 8th of 11, 11l behind Dubai Miracle (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc stks (5) pol.
Fardyieh King's Best filly out of Injaaz.
The Ducking Stool 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, bit slipped after 1f, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 10th of 12, 27l behind Silver Grecian (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jun.
Pirate's Song Bahamian Bounty colt out of Soviet Terms.
