| Course: NEWMARKET | Race date:03/05/08 | Race time:4:35 | Runners:4 |
| Race distance:1m2f | Going:Good | Winners time:2m 10.54s |
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Stall | Weight | Age | RPR | OR | Odds | B High | B Ave | B Low | In run | Finished | Dist Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kandahar Run | Ted Durcan | H R A Cecil | 3 | 8-12 | 3 | 0 | 105 | 8/13F | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1 | |
| Meeriss | Darryll Holland | M R Channon | 1 | 9-1 | 3 | 0 | 99 | 14/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 2 | 2¾ |
| Better Hand | Ryan Moore | M R Channon | 2 | 8-12 | 3 | 0 | 96 | 10/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3 | ½ |
| Ridge Dance | Jimmy Fortune | J H M Gosden | 4 | 8-12 | 3 | 0 | 108 | 9/4 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 4 | 12 |
Kandahar Run chased leader until led over 1f out, soon ridden clear, eased near finish
Meeriss led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace
Better Hand held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
Ridge Dance tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Henry Cecil has given KANDAHAR RUN multiple Group 1 entries, interestingly ranging from a mile through 1m2f to 1m4f. His breeding would suggest this trip or even shorter would be his optimum and he does not lack speed. He simply outclassed his three rivals, who boasted good Listed credentials and a smattering of Group form. He shapes as if a Group 1 colt in the making and was pushed out without recourse to the whip to have the race won into the final furlong.
Meeriss was rated only 86 going into his Listed race win last summer before coming up short in a Group 3. Trying to concede 3lb to the winner may turn out to have been an impossible ask. He has returned in good form and looks to have progressed over the winter to set up hopes of Group-race success this year.
Stablemate Better Hand, one of many to run poorly for his trainer when reappearing last month, did much better here. He had looked a progressive frontrunner last season before hampered and below form at Listed level on his last start in August. The way the race was run probably did not suit and he looks back on track for a Listed win. (BJ)
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