tracked leader, driven to lead over 1f out, strongly challenged throughout final furlong, kept on under pressure
soon led, headed over 1f out, rallied and every chance throughout final furlong, stayed on
chased leaders, lost place over 2f out
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace
refused to race and always completely tailed off
MOONLIGHT SPIRIT beat an odds-on stablemate when making a winning debut over today’s trip at Newcastle in November. The Godolphin colt looks worth sticking with, despite a penalty, given Charlie Appleby’s yard remains in red-hot form and today’s opposition looks decidedly weak. Hen has stronger form than both Fly Lightly and Golden Grenade though could only manage seventh at Wolverhampton and the newcomer Thelonious, a half-brother to six winners and entered in the Derby, may prove a bigger threat.
Moonlight Spirit (IRE) 13-2 (9-5) Keen tracked leader, led 6f out, ridden 2f out, clear entering final furlong, stayed on, won at Newcastle 1m 2f mdn stks (4) pol in Nov beating Jalmoud (9-5) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Fly Lightly 40-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, late headway, nearest finish, 6th of 14, 11 3/4l behind Target Zone (9-5) at Kempton 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
Golden Grenade (FR) 50-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, ran green and always behind, last of 6, 12 3/4l behind Wings Of Time (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
Thelonious Sea The Moon colt out of Miss Chaussini.
Hen (IRE) 40-1 (8-7) Started slowly, always behind, last of 7, 5 3/4l behind Elisheba (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f fll stks (5) pol in Feb.