He had no answer to the late challenge of Usain Colt who powered home over the last 100m. While Sheikh The Reins may be no world beater, he has experience and battling attitude which should see him go close.
Harry Dunlop has had a quiet season with his two-year-olds. Polydamos, a son of Nayef, looked to be one of the stable's better prospects after showing ability on debut at Sandown over 7f. That race was run at a fair pace and after being completely outpaced, he ran on, chasing down tired horses to take third place. I always had my suspicions that he may have been flattered. Clearly connections held much greater hopes as their next engagement was at Royal Ascot for the Chesham Listed Stakes. Polydamos ran no race and consequently hasn't been seen since mid June. I'm pretty sure this youngster used to be owned by Hesmond Stud, so new connections will be hoping for a return of that initial promise. A difficult horse to assess and a watching brief.
Typography is an interesting representative for William Muir. He done well with his two-year-olds which were kept in training over the winter last season and that in itself is a pointer that Muir considers this gelding by Byron a future winner. A half-brother to Ben, he ran on to finish fifth on debut at Newbury over 61/2f. Muir's horses rarely win on debut and sometimes find huge improvement on their second start. This extra half furlong should help and I suspect a big run.
Of the others, Glaisdale is worth a mention. James Toller has done well with his two-year-olds this season. On balance, this filly doesn't really appeal with blinkers first time and stamina-laden breeding. In addition, it is difficult for inexperienced horses to cope with a turning track and a slow start from a wide draw would be a problem. However, I have heard a good word for Glaisdale and at speculative odds she may be worth a punt.
Conclusion: Shiekh The Reins sets the standard and with experience on side has a fighting chance of a win although there may not be too much value on offer. William Muir done well with his AW runners last season and it is encouraging Typography is kept in training. If priced 15/2 & less he has fair win and place claims. The unknown quantity may be James Toller's Glaisdale. A juvenile who looks to have her work cut out but a positive word from the stable at speculative odds for those interested in an punt.
HCE: ''Shiekh the Reins won what was probably no more than an average race. Royal Prospector improved in second, while Typography ran on for third. Glaisdale finished sixth but ran a little better than she looked after missing the break and pulling much too hard in the early stages. She plugged on on the line and is no forlorn hope next time if settling.''