keen tracked leaders, dropped to rear over 6f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, kept on same pace
slow into stride, keen soon tracked leader, shaken up to lead over 1f out, pushed out
led, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner
close up in rear, went 3rd over 6f out, ridden 3f out, soon outpaced
With an official rating of 116 after his brilliant second in the Derby and a close third in the Gordon Stakes here, HOO YA MAL is 18lb clear of nearest rival Perfect Alibi, who only receives 3lb. The latter landed a strong Newbury handicap last time and has scored on ground with give so is the only real threat. Animato is a smart handicapper on his day and should have no problems finishing third as Pink Fire Lilly is outclassed but will pick up a nice prize for fourth.
Animato 15-2 (8-11) Rear, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Scampi (9-4) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (3) gf in Aug.
Hoo Ya Mal 6-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, pushed along and headway over 1f out when rider dropped whip, every chance inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 10, 2l behind New London (9-3) at Goodwood 1m 4f Grp 3 stks (1) gf in Jul.
Perfect Alibi 5-2 (9-9) Made all, pushed along 2f out, clear inside final furlong, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Newbury 1m 5f hcp fll (2) gf in Jul beating Sea Sylph (9-13) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Pink Fire Lilly (IRE) 100-1 (9-5) Soon tracked leader, 2nd halfway, ridden 3f out, no extra 2f out, 12th of 13, 26 3/4l behind Silken Ladder (9-4) at Killarney 1m hcp Yielding - Soft in May.
