made all, sent clear well over 1f out, ran on well
tracked leader, driven over 2f out, no extra final furlong
edged right start, in touch, outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, no extra closing stages
bumped start, pulled hard in rear, no impression
stumbled start, tracked leader, effort over 1f out, kept on well under pressure
A cracking contest and EXPRESSIONIST is taken to get back on the winning track. He was a cosy scorer at Ascot on debut before posting mid-division finishes in Group 2 and Listed company. Not seen since last summer when gelded, hopefully all is well now and this looks a good starting point for the new campaign. Will To Win has landed his last three starts at different all-weather venues and has impressed on each occasion. He's more on his plate here but should remain competitive. Never Before only landed a maiden last time at Dundalk but commands great respect as a Joseph O'Brien raider, whilst Dazzling Des and Electric Ladyland cannot be discounted.
Will To Win (GER) 6-4fav (9-7) With leader, led over 1f out, ran on well, won at Southwell 6f hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Speed Merchant (8-10) by 2l, 4 ran.
Expressionist (IRE) 9-2 (9-2) Raced on rail, chased leader for 2f, chased leaders, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 5 1/2l behind Liberty Beach (8-11) at Sandown 5f lst stks (1) gf in Jul.
Electric Ladyland (IRE) 2-1 (9-7) Led, driven over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Dazzling Des (9-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp (3) pol in Jan.
Dazzling Des (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, comfortably, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (3) pol in Jan beating Little Brown Trout (9-1) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Never Before (IRE) 11-4 (9-5) Prominent and led after 1 1/2f, travelled well 2f out, pushed out and kept on well inside final furlong, won at Dundalk 7f mdn pol in Jan beating Comradery (9-5) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.