chased leaders, led over 1f out, soon hard driven, stayed on well
behind, headway halfway, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on strongly, never able to challenge
chased leaders, ridden to challenge halfway, soon every chance, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, effort well over 1f out, stayed on, never on terms
slowly into stride, mid-division, under pressure 2f out, soon one pace
behind, soon pushed along, never dangerous
tracked leaders, switched left over 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up in touch, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders, no extra final furlong
slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders, bumped over 3f out, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
led, headed over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, kept on well
soon prominent, driven halfway, weakened just over 1f out
in touch, bumped over 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, weakened final furlong
The vote is given to MIRROR LAD ahead of the Barry Hills pair of Squires Gate and Diamond Geezah, although bold performances from Saucy Buck, Chiswick Bey and The Best Mode would come as no surprise. Tom Dascombe has a big season ahead of him with his link up with Michael Owen and what better way to send a message out to his rivals than winning the first juvenile race of the year. This son of new sire Proclamation (a winner himself on debut) is not the most fancily-bred in the race but he is owned by the Mirror Punters Club and it's possible that he'll hack up. Chiswick Bey looks the pick of Richard Fahey's pair on jockey bookings and he cost £90,000 as a yearling, whilst stablemate Las Verglas Star was cheaper and as a half-brother to Inventor may need a bit further before winning. Mayhab has a speedy pedigree and is considered, as is Lady Brookie as she represents Bill Turner who used to farm this race and knows what horse he needs to win it. David Evans' pair Little Libretto and The Best Mode are respected, especially the latter who has a speedy pedigree, whilst Barry Hills went close in this race last year. Son Michael rides Squires Gate, whereas Robert Winston is on the more speedily bred Diamond Geezah. Mick Channon saddled the second in this race twelve months ago and he has a couple of interesting contenders in Sarandjam and Saucy Buck. The latter is out of a five furlong winner and given his owner the market may help point to his chance. Diplomasi is bred to be a speedball, whilst Lexi's Princess and Sir Lunchalott are also considered. Favourites have a poor record in this race, with the average s.p. of the last ten winners working out at around 9/1. The token vote is given to Mirror Lad.
Chiswick Bey (IRE) Elusive City colt out of Victoria Lodge.
Diamond Geezah (IRE) Diamond Green colt out of Lanark Belle.
Diplomasi Iceman colt out of Piper's Ash.
Las Verglas Star (IRE) Verglas colt out of Magnificent Bell.
Mayhab Cadeaux Genereux colt out of Amazed.
Mirror Lad Proclamation colt out of Shaieef.
Saucy Buck (IRE) Mujadil colt out of Phantom Ring.
Sir Lunchalott Pastoral Pursuits colt out of Jasmine Breeze.
Sky Diamond (IRE) Diamond Green colt out of Jewell In The Sky.
Squires Gate (IRE) Namid colt out of Roselyn.
The Best Mode (IRE) Camacho colt out of Gracious Gretclo.
Lady Brookie Makbul filly out of Miss Brookie.
Little Libretto (IRE) Librettist filly out of Sharadayna.
Majestic Style (IRE) Majestic Missile filly out of Classic Style.
Sarandjam Titus Livius colt out of Truly Madly Deeply.
Lexi's Princess (IRE) Verglas filly out of Night Fairy.
