bumped start, outpaced towards rear, never dangerous
went right start, soon chased leader, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong and weakened towards finish
chased leaders, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, driven out
bumped soon after start, behind, outpaced, never on terms
led until headed just inside final furlong, weakened quickly final half furlong
mid-division, soon ridden along and soon outpaced
chased leaders in 4th, headway 2f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong but held
outpaced in mid-division, headway over 1f out, ran on well towards finish to take 3rd close home
With Rod Millman's two-year-olds in flying form, Valentine Jak would not have to be anything special to go in first time, and he is selected ahead of the more experienced Slack Willy Hilly, Dusty Devil and Blue Minx. Since Alan Munro has returned to these shores, he and Rod Millman have formed a strong partnership, and the vibes are good for Valentine Jak, an Imperial Ballet colt who is related to plenty of winners in Italy. The stable houses the Brocklesby winner Phantom Whisper, and although this fellow is not thought of in the same league, he is sure to have been well tuned up to go close from his low draw. Slack Willy Hilly was beaten on the Lingfield Polytrack three weeks ago but hails from the yard that sent out last year's winner, while Dusty Devil was third on his Southwell debut over the minimum, and might need another furlong. Blue Minx was a beaten favourite at Thirsk and is already starting to look exposed, and a bigger danger may be Pokermilliondotcom who can improve on his selling second to Garlogs at Doncaster. Paul Cole's newcomer La Vie Ferrata could be anything, and the market may throw up a springer, but in a hard one to call, we shall side with Valentine Jak.
La Via Ferrata (IRE) Mark of Esteem colt, half-brother to 2 6f winners.
Slack Willy Hilly 3-1 Chased leaders, headway 2f out, not pace to challenge, 5th of 8, 9l behind Azygous at Lingfield 5f 2yo mdn aut pol.
Pokermilliondotcom 5-2 Led, ridden and hung left 2f out, soon headed, kept on, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Garlogs at Doncaster 5f 2yo mdn sll gd.
Wizard Prince Wizard King gelding, half-brother to 2 winners between 1 mile and 1m3f.
Blue Minx (IRE) 7-2fav Tracked leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 10l behind One Trick Pony at Thirsk 5f 2yo clm sft.
Prettilini Bertolini filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
Dusty Devil 33-1 Went left start, prominent, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Countrywide Belle at Southwell 5f 2yo mdn aut fbs.
Valentine Jak (IRE) Imperial Ballet colt out of an unraced half-sister to a prolific winner in Italy.
