took keen hold in touch, effort to chase winner 2f out, soon no impression and lost 2nd well inside final furlong
pulled hard and held up in rear, pushed along and struggling 4f out, tailed off
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, outpaced final 2f
set steady pace, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
held up and behind, pushed along over 4f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, no chance
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden well clear, driven right out final furlong
chased leader, weakening when not much room 2f out, tailed off
in touch, pushed along 3f out, effort and hung left final 2f, took 2nd well inside final furlong
dwelt, held up in touch, pushed along 4f out, ridden and outpaced final 2f
Anuvasteel had a good campaign last year and can get off to a winning start this term at the main expense of Red Spell and Slavonic. The 3-year-old is well regarded by his connections who are hoping for good things from this gelding this season. He steadily improved throughout last season and if he is fit will be hard to beat. Red Spell has had his injury problems but this colt won well in November at Lingfield when defeating Bienvenue. That was on his racecourse debut and as he is still unexposed he will be of serious interest if the market speaks in his favour. Slavonic showed a fair level of form last season and might be capable of taking a place, while Red Lancer has had an impressive winter spell on the all-weather and could go well back on the turf. This looks a competitive event and it could pay to keep a close eye on the market for clues, but we will make Anuvasteel our tentative selection.
