Arazan led, headed approaching straight, challenged from over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well
Egypt tracked leaders, ridden to lead 3f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
Aaroness tracked leaders on inner in 4th, 5th 2f out, kept on into 3rd final furlong without threatening leaders
Oasis Sunset raced mainly in 5th, 4th 2f out, no extra from over 1f out, kept on
Little Bug towards rear, 7th and in touch on inner 3f out, 6th 2f out, kept on
Catalpa tracked leader, 3rd 2f out, no extra from over 1f out
Naiazek always towards rear, 7th on outer 2f out, no extra, kept on
Venetian Dove 7th on outer, headway briefly into 4th 3f out, soon no extra, weakened from under 2f out
Analyis of the race
A maiden dominated by the two market rivals with victory going to the well-touted ARAZAN, a first juvenile runner of the year for John Oxx.
The half-brother to Azamour was well-backed to get off to a winning start, but when Johnny Murtagh kicked for home on the favourite rounding the home turn, he appeared to be faced with an uphill battle. However, the son of Anabaa reduced the deficit in the straight in good style to win comfortably in the end and he looks a colt with a bright future on this evidence.
He didn't run at the Curragh over the weekend because of the firm ground and the Golden Fleece Stakes back here in July is the next stop, according to his trainer.
Runner-up Egypt came into the race with the benefit of a previous run. TheDansili colt had finished fourth over 6f at this venue a week previously and, while this represented some improvement, he was outclassed by the eyecatching winner in the end.
Another newcomer, Little Bug, caught the eye in fifth. She was restrained in last place when the gate opened but was still travelling turning for home before keeping on for a never-nearer finish.
Catalpa had his chance approaching the straight on the outer but couldn't quicken.
The absence of Luminous Eyes meant stable jockey Pat Smullenswitched over to Naiazek, who had attracted morning support at fancy prices, but he never got in a blow for his supporters.
Tote
Tote Win: 3.8
Tote place (1): 1.7
Tote place (2): 1.1
Tote place (3): 3.1
Exacta: 6.5
CSF: 5.9
Total SP: 121
Further Information
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