towards rear, effort over 2f out, eased over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, had every chance entering final furlong, kept on and was held by winner
dwelt, towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, pushed along 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
prominent early, lost ground 5f out, ridden 2f out, never really a factor
towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, quickened over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on well
A decent juvenile maiden to begin proceedings, and Stephano is just preferred to Saida Lenasera. The latter improved on her debut when finishing placed at Newbury in a competitive maiden. Mick Channon's Fasliyev filly sets the standard for the rest and should go close here. Nahane represents the powerful Sir Michael Stoute stable and has shown ability. However, he looks in need of a mile already and will qualify for handicaps after this run. Mark Johnston's newcomer Woody Valentine has to enter calculations, as the trainer won this race two years ago, but he has to defy a poor draw in stall 14 on his debut. So we'll side with Barry Hills' Stephano, who showed promise on his debut when finishing fifth in a Newmarket maiden. Bred to appreciate the step up in trip and expected to improve with experience, we take him to score here under Michael Hills.
