Awe

Awe did well to get as close as he did in the Britannia handicap, given that he was drawn low and that he raced on the far side. The race developed on the near side, as Frankie Dettori kicked for home and Turgenev and looked set for victory again, before he was run down by Biometric. While that was happening, Awe was picking up well from the two-furlong marker on the far side. He hit the front on the far side on the run to the furlong marker, and he kept on well to come clear of Victory Command in that group. He only finished fourth overall, but he came nicely clear of the far-side horses as he drifted towards the near side, and he could have finished closer had he been drawn higher and had he raced on the near side.

William Haggas' horse had won a seven-furlong handicap at Newmarket 12 days earlier off a 6lb lower mark, but he proved here that he could see out a stiff and well-run mile on easy ground, and he proved that he was well able to compete off his new mark of 94. He could do even better back on faster ground. An easy mile could be ideal, and he was well suited by the fast pace here. He will be of interest if he takes up his engagement in the Golden Mile at the Goodwood Festival.

Ascot, 20^th June 2019

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