held up 3rd, ridden over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, stayed on well, no impression on winner
with leader, led over 2f out, ran on strongly, driven out
held up rear, in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
led narrowly, headed over 2f out, soon outpaced but kept on well for 3rd
in rear, in touch, ridden over 3f out, outpaced and weakened 2f out, eased final furlong
Graceful Steps stayed on well to win at Nottingham eight days ago and can follow up today at the main expense of Hills Place. The selection steps up in trip today but that looks sure to suit given the way he made up ground late on last time out. He showed a liking for the ground that day and with similar conditions today, he can land this weak race. Hills Place takes a marked step up in trip after two decent efforts on the all-weather. He has been given a break to get over those exertions but he is not guaranteed to get this trip on breeding so with those doubts he looks opposable. Kyloe Belle didn't show a lot in three runs last year however she shaped with more promise on her reappearance and should come on for that run. Neville Callaghan does well with his horses here however Lawyer To World doesn't look a stable star and looks opposable unless the money comes. A weak contest, and one that looks a simple task for Graceful Steps.
Graceful Steps (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Held up mid-division, ridden 4f out, headway on inner over 2f out, switched right to challenge over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides, won at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (6) gf beating Mark of Love (8-12) by 3/4l, 16 ran.
Kyloe Belle (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden, outpaced and lost place over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous, 8th of 13, 10l behind Paymaster General (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Hills Place 9-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway 3f out to chase leaders, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1/2l behind Dance of Dreams (9-1) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Mar.
Tumble Jill (IRE) 40-1 (7-11) Always rear, 7th of 8, 11l behind Fongs Gazelle (9-4) at Bath 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) frm.
Lawyer To World 11-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, never nearer, 10th of 15, 16l behind Skye But N Ben (8-11) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) gf.