carried head to one side, raced freely, led, set steady pace, ridden 2f out, headed, hung right under pressure, no impression final furlong
tracked leading pair, ridden 2f out, one paced from over 1f out
started slowly, always in rear, outpaced final 2f
took keen hold, soon pressed leader, led over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, comfortably
This isn't look the strongest of races and looks a good opportunity for Paciano to open his account. The Clive Cox-trained gelding showed a fair level of form in three juvenile starts and clearly has the ability to win a race of this nature if reproducing his close third in similar company at Brighton in November. The extra furlong will suit and the fast ground is in his favour so the son of Perugino should take plenty of beating. Vigorous made a pleasing introduction on her sole start at Windsor in July and should give a good account if fit following a longish absence while the ex-Irish trained Business Matters ran creditably in defeat last term and wouldn't need to have improved much through the winter to take a hand.
