| Course: CHESTER | Race date:08/05/08 | Race time:2:15 | Runners:6 |
| Race distance:1m2½f | Going:Good To Firm | Winners time:2m 11.21s |
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Stall | Weight | Age | RPR | OR | Odds | B High | B Ave | B Low | In run | Finished | Dist Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship Point | Darryll Holland | M R Channon | 4 | 9-0 | 5 | 113 | 105 | 12/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1 | |
| Maraahel | R Hills | Sir Michael Stoute | 1 | 9-5 | 7 | 117 | 117 | 5/2 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 2 | nk |
| Spice Route | Jamie Spencer | M L W Bell | 5 | 9-0 | 4 | 109 | 106 | 8/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3 | 1½ |
| Multidimensional | Ted Durcan | H R A Cecil | 3 | 9-0 | 5 | 107 | 111 | 5/4F | NA | NA | NA | NA | 4 | 1¼ |
| Stotsfold | Adam Kirby | W R Swinburn | 6 | 9-3 | 5 | 92 | 110 | 5/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 5 | 9 |
| Majounes Song | Joe Fanning | M Johnston | 2 | 9-0 | 4 | 0 | 106 | 40/1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | PU |
There was no four-timer for Maraahel or five-timer for Richard Hills but for 100 yards of the final furlong it looked likely until he was worried out of it by CHAMPIONSHIP POINT, although his 5lb Group 2 race penalty can be blamed.That disappointment aside, the other shame was that it was a muddling race, starting with Championship Point angling for the lead and rail just as Maraahel was pushed up from stall one to look at the lead. They bumped heavily and in that moment, the race was arguably settled as Championship Point was left alone in front and dictated as he had done to good effect in a minor race at Ripon two runs ago.
As such the form has to be treated with caution as Championship Point has only looked a Listed performer, having struggled when tried at Group 3 level.
Maraahel deserves plenty of credit on this seasonal return. He won a John Porter first time out but his profile suggests he plays himself into top form for the summer as he has progressed from this win each year. Connections plan to follow that blueprint and as there are no signs that at the age of seven that he is losing his lustre, he immediately goes on the shortlist to complete a Hardwicke hat-trick. He has not let himself down at Group 1 level so another tilt at one of the big midsummer prizes in on the cards.
Spice Route remains frustrating in that he travels so well through his races but does not pickup as expected. He has still finished on the heels of the front two, again behind Champiosnhip Point despite being 3lb better off here. It is no surprise that he has been tried over a variety of trips but he has run similar races. That he seems to need some cut in the ground lessens waning enthusiasm for him.
Multidimensional failed to run anywhere near his Group 2 form. He sat at the back and was in a pocket down the back straight as expected after failing to get cover being blamed for his tame reappearance run. He failed to pick up when in the clear and has plenty to prove now after the high praise showered on him by his trainer. He did not look happy continually on the turn here and back on a galloping track, he can prove the form wrong.
Stotsfold wss even more disappointing, dropping away quickly after making a brief effort from fourth into the home turn. This too was not his running to devalue the overall form further.
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