mid-division early, towards rear after 2f, ridden and no impression 2f out
held up in mid-division, ridden on outer 1 1/2f out, 7th over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong to lead close home
prominent early, soon chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 2f out, no impression 1f out, kept on same pace
prominent early, soon settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, ridden 2f out, kept on to challenge inside final 100 yards, no extra close home
mid-division early, chased leaders after 2f, 3rd halfway, ridden 2f out, no impression 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
dwelt slightly, soon mid-division, ridden into 4th 1 1/2f out, challenged 1f out, led final 150 yards, headed close home and no extra
soon disputed, led after 1f, ridden 2f out, strongly pressed 1f out, headed final 150 yards, no extra closing stages
soon disputed, headed after 1f and chased leader, ridden 2f out, no extra over 1f out
always towards rear, ridden and no impression over 2f out
chased leaders early, mid-division after 2f, ridden and no extra 2 1/2f out
YUFTEN is a long way clear on official ratings and should have few problems adding to his two victories in similar company despite dropping back to this trip for the first time since 2016, especially with his rider's claim to aid his cause. Sharp Defence is next best in the ratings and though beaten five lengths by the selection three weeks ago will be better suited by this trip and can get closer. Lily's Prince has won four times around here though not for almost two years and Your Pal Tal, five times a winner on the track, has a mountain to climb on official figures, though has been running well in low-grade sprints. Super Julius is having his first start for new connections having won three times in the UK but Al Batal has now had 11 starts without winning.
Super Julius 9-2 (9-11) Tracked leader, pushed along halfway, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 5, 2 1/4l behind Arzaak (9-13) at Brighton 5f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Yuften 1-2fav (10-2) Soon raced in 5th, closed travelling smoothly straight, led 1f out, asserted inside final furlong, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Dundalk 7f pol in Feb beating Hasselnott (9-0) by 3 1/4l, 10 ran.
Al Batal 10-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, disputed after 2 1/2f, 2nd halfway, ridden in 3rd 2f out, no extra in 4th over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 5 1/4l behind Master Diver (9-7) at Dundalk 7f mdn pol in Jan.
Lily's Prince (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden under 2f out and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 8th of 11, 4 1/4l behind Togoville (8-13) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Feb.
Mr Shelby (IRE) 50-1 (9-4) Soon led, 3 lengths clear halfway, ridden under 2f out, edged right and headed 150 yards out, no extra, 8th of 14, 4 1/4l behind Hee Haw (9-11) at Dundalk 5f hcp pol in Feb.
Sharp Defence (USA) 16-1 (10-2) Soon raced in 7th, headway and effort on outer straight, edged slightly left 2f out, one pace 1f out, 4th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Yuften (10-2) at Dundalk 7f pol in Feb.
Your Pal Tal 20-1 (8-12) Rear of mid-division, ridden in 9th on outer and no impression over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong to go 2nd close home, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Hee Haw (9-11) at Dundalk 5f hcp pol in Feb.
Rag Tatter 10-1 (9-5) Mid-division on outer, ridden early straight and no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 14, 7 1/4l behind Lapilli (9-2) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Feb.
Abundant Courage (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Mid-division, 7th halfway, pushed along approaching straight, ridden and no impression 2f out, soon no extra, weakened, 13th of 14, 12 1/2l behind Alwarda (8-8) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Dec.
Bustam (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, pushed along 2f out and no extra over 1f out, 12th of 14, 7 1/4l behind Masalai (9-13) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Feb.
Ahundrednotout 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 10 1/2l behind Martineo (9-4) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Silk Cravat 9-1 (10-0) Soon raced in 7th, headway and effort straight, one pace 1f out, 5th of 12, 5 3/4l behind Nisior Donn (9-1) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Feb.