started slowly, always rear, hanging right 3f out, never a danger, tailed off over 2f out
in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, no chance with winner but kept on well for 2nd
mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, took 3rd towards finish, not trouble 1st 2
started slowly, took keen hold, tracked leader on outer, ridden 2f out, no progress, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden along approaching 2f out, no impression, weakened well over 1f out
made all, led, shaken up 2f out, ridden clear 1f out, pushed out unchallenged, comfortably
tracked leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, no extra over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, lost 3rd towards finish
The market should prove the best guide to the likely winner of this contest but we will side with the Ralph Beckett trained Mullein to overcome inexperience and the lack of an outing with Fastella, Night Premiere and Sir Billy Nick others that are likely to get involved. Mullein's sole outing was at Ascot last summer, a maiden that has been working out particularly well. Mullein finished an eye catching seventh while a subsequent Lowther Stakes winner and Goffs Fillies Million second emerged. Mullein did show considerable signs of greenness at Ascot and that would be a worry, but now a three year old and a winter under her belt, she could prove an exciting filly. Gerard Butler has his charges in fine form and Fastella is sure to be one of the leading fancies. The form of her maidens is not working out too well though and that is a big worry while Night Premiere has been assigned a handicap mark but significantly connections have opted to try maiden company once again. Mullein has the form in the book and is nominated for the Ralph Beckett yard who incidently does particularly well with the fillies.
Espy Piccolo colt, related to several winners from 5f-7f.
Hibou de Nuit (IRE) Night Shift gelding out of a sprint-bred maiden.
Irish Music (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden 2f out, kept on to go 3rd inside final furlong, no chance with first 2, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Commander Cave (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Sir Billy Nick Bertolini colt, half-brother to 1m2f winner Fever.
Spic 'n Span 10-1 (8-12) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 4l behind Young Ivanhoe (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb.
Fastella (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on steadily inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 10, nk behind Wavertree Princess (8-12) at Lingfield 5f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov.
Mullein 11-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, ran on inside final furlong, 7th of 16, 7l behind Albabilia (9-0) at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn fll (4) gs in Jul.
Night Premiere (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Tracked leader 2f, behind 3f out, stayed on again over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 4th of 9, 7l behind Elizabeth Swann (8-12) at Kempton 7f 3yo mdn aut (5) pol.
Nice Wee Girl (IRE) 17-2 (8-13) In rear, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 9, 4l behind Bertbrand (8-11) at W'hampton 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.
