with leader early, pushed along over 6f out, outpaced from over 2f out
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
soon chasing leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace
held up in rear, ridden and headway on outer over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
This is a trappy affair and Clarricien, Love Brothers, Danish Rebel and Elyaadi can all be given a chance with the vote given to Clarricien. The selection was disappointing when last seen out at the end of last season but the ground was against him that day and the return to this faster surface should suit. His previous form reads well in the context of this race and providing he has trained-on he should go close. Elyaadi does not lack ability but she is not the most straightforward and on those grounds she is opposed today. Love Brothers ran a blinder last time but consistency is not his strong point, while Danish Rebel won well at Musselburgh last time at big odds but he may not get the race run to suit today as he made-all in that contest. This could become a tactical affair and the narrow vote is given to Clarricien who should be suited by this step-up in trip.
Clarricien (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) In rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 9, 42l behind Empire Day (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 2f 2yo lst stk (1) sft in Oct.
Danish Rebel (IRE) 33-1 (8-8) Made all, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Musselburgh 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gf beating Sowdrey (8-7) by 2l, 8 ran.
Love Brothers 15-2 (9-2) Led, ridden 2f out, headed, unable to quicken well inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, nk behind Callisto Moon (8-8) at Warwick 1m 3f 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Elyaadi 8-15fav (9-0) Led, ridden 3f out, soon hung right, one pace, 2nd of 4, 2l behind La Spezia (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn fll (5) pol in Mar.