led, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra towards finish
held up, brief effort 2f out, soon ridden and beaten
raced keenly, settled behind leaders, effort and hung left from over 1f out, led entering final furlong, pushed along and held on towards finish
tracked leaders, went 2nd 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, no impression and held towards finish
held up, headway on outside final furlong, no danger
tracked leaders, not much room on rail and lost place approaching 2f out, no danger after
Titus Maximus could be of interest on his return but lack of a recent run for Gerard Butler's colt has to be of concern and the vote goes to Stoneacre Lad, who is preferred to other last time out winners Pauvic and Sands Crooner. The last mentioned meets Pauvic on the same terms as when beating him by half-a-length over course and distance last month and, while Anne Duffield's gelding went one better back over six furlongs subsequently, there is no reason why Sands Crooner should not confirm earlier form. Otis B Driftwood was caught close home over course and distance last month but a 3lb rise since then looks harsh and he is not even certain to confirm placings that day with the third Rapsgate on the revised terms. The vote though goes to Stoneacre Lad, who has looked a different proposition since being dropped back to the minimum trip and he may well be capable of defying a hefty 9lb rise for his latest success.
Stoneacre Lad (IRE) 10-3 (9-4) In touch, hung left over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ran on, won at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp (5) fbs in Feb beating Garlogs (8-10) by 3l, 8 ran.
Titus Maximus (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Tracked winner to over 1f out, weakened quickly inside final furlong, last of 6, 6l behind Trophy Pride (8-6) at Lingfield 5f 2yo stk (4) pol in Oct.
Sands Crooner (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, headway 1f out, not clear run edged leftm squeezed through inside final furlong to lead close home, won at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Feb beating Pauvic (9-2) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Pauvic (IRE) 3-1fav (9-2) Made all, ridden and edged left entering final furlong, driven out, won at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Feb beating Radiator Rooney (9-4) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Rapsgate (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Held up behind, ridden 2f out, strong run on outer inside final furlong, edged left and gaining close home, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Sands Crooner (9-1) at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Otis B Driftwood 9-2 (9-5) Led for 1f, tracked leader, driven to lead and hung left just inside final furlong, caught last stride, 2nd of 7, shd behind Sounds Simla (9-0) at Lingfield 5f 3yo sll (6) pol in Feb.
