tracked leader, led going well 3f out, 3 lengths clear and hung left approaching final furlong, driven and no extra inside final furlong and caught last stride
tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along straight, chased leader 2f out, ridden and 3 lengths down 1f out, stayed on grimly to lead last stride
unseated rider and galloped loose to post, steady pace, quickened halfway, ridden and headed 3f out, chased leader under pressure to 2f out, soon outpaced
held up last, ridden and outpaced halfway, last and weakening straight, tailed off
took keen hold in 4th place, ridden and weakening straight, well behind final 2f
This is a really difficult race for punters to call and the market should be monitored for clues, but Hallhoo is taken to score with Love Palace and Watchmyeyes put forward as the dangers. The selection is well-regarded by his trainer Mick Channon, and although he has held by Love Palace on a race last last year, he was unsuited by the soft ground that day and he looks the type who could go on to better things this season. Love Palace was disappointing at Newmarket last time but he had previously hacked up in a weak race at Hamilton. He clearly has plenty of ability even if he is not the most straightforward, and if he has wintered well then he could be a big danger to our selection. Watchmyeyes looks a nice type but he was well-beaten in a Listed race at Lingfield last time and he may find this contest too hot. Elliots World is the other Johnston runner and he is worth noting in the market, but for the winner we return to Hallhoo.
Elliots World (IRE) 13-2 Led, headed well over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 8, 41l behind Motivator at Doncaster 1m 2yo Grp 1 (A1) sft in Oct.
Hallhoo (IRE) 3-1 Towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Solent at Doncaster 1m 3yo stk gd.
Love Palace (IRE) 9-2 With leader, every chance well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 9l behind Something Exciting at Newmarket 1m 2yo stk (C1) sft in Oct.
Asharon 13-2 Always towards rear, last of 17, 35l behind Glen Ida at Kempton 1m 1f 3yo hcp gd in Mar.
Watchmyeyes (IRE) 20-1 Keen, held up towards rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 8l behind Party Boss at Lingfield 7f 3yo lst stk (A1) pol in Mar.
