tracked leading pair on outer, ridden to chase winner final furlong, ran on but held near finish
tracked leader, led over 1f out, ran on well and ridden out final furlong
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, held up behind leaders, switched left to rail inside final 2f, soon ridden and no response
Smokey Storm is preferred to Doughnut and Icesolator. The selection caught the eye doing some decent work late on at Windsor on debut and confirmed the promise of that run when narrowly landing the odds at Brighton. The form of that run gives him the beating of Icesolator on a line through the second (it's dangerous to read too much into that though) whilst the fact that he handled the cambers of Brighton bodes well for his chances here. Doughnut did a professional job on her debut at Folkestone but holes can be picked in the form and she faces different underfoot conditions here. That said, she did what she had to do and she should handle this ground and the weight that she receives make her a force to be reckoned with. Connections of the selection mooted a possible tilt at the Listed Woodcote Stakes at Epsom later in the season for their One Cool Cat colt and we believe that Smokey Storm can keep that dream alive by scoring today.
Smokey Storm 9-4 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on, led final stride, won at Brighton 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Apr beating Brenin Taran (9-3) by a hd, 8 ran.
Icesolator (IRE) 5-6fav (9-3) Made all on rail, ridden, ran on well and in command final furlong, won at Goodwood 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) gs beating Rio Royale (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 3 ran.
Mazzola 14-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Missile Dodger (8-11) at Bath 5f 2yo mdn auc (6) gd in Apr.
Doughnut 9-2 (8-12) Close up,squeezed through approaching final furlong, stayed on to lead final strides, won at Folkestone 5f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Apr beating Riflessione (9-3) by a shd, 5 ran.
Imperial Skylight 14-1 (9-3) Slightly reared start, behind, ridden and outpaced 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 9l behind Shampagne (9-3) at Kempton 5f 2yo mdn (4) pol.