raced towards center, tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, came stand side and joined leader 1f out, driven to lead final strides
raced alone stand side, overall leader and soon clear, headed over 1f out, weakened quickly
raced towards center, tracked leaders, switched right to chase stand side leader halfway, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed final strides
raced towards center, led that trio, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
Just the four runners declared for the opening contest and none with any sparkling performances so far so we side with SCHOOLBOY CHAMP to build on an improved performance last time out at Haydock. He hasn't won since debut last year but Jockey's Championship contender Richard Hughes has a 100% record with Patrick Morris entries this year and we side with Schoolboy Champ to pick up the win. Vilnius prefers Soft ground and if there is any rain this could play in to her favour. French Fantasy has shown little so far and will need to have come on in training to challenge whilst it is perhaps more encouraging that Morgans Choice has won here before, but he has shown little since then in handicap contests.
Schoolboy Champ 7-1 (9-2) In rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Spinning Spirit (8-9) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Morgans Choice 15-2 (8-13) Tracked leader, under pressure halfway, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 11l behind La Fortunata (9-5) at Doncaster 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul.
Vilnius 7-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, effort approaching 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 6l behind Maryolini (9-6) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
French Fantasy 6-1 (8-5) Led 3f, led again 2f out, edged right over 1f out, soon headed, not much room inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 6l behind Kings 'n Dreams (9-6) at Nottingham 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jul.
