led, joined 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, stayed on stronly to take 3rd inside final furlong
tracked leaders in 4th, soon niggled along, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden over 1f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong
soon tracking leader, challenged 2f out, soon ridden, weakened and lost 2nd place inside final furlong
Tajaarub could be a cut above these and connections should know where they stand with ATLANTIC TIGER, but Mark Johnston's animal gets the narrow vote having shown up well in his sole start. Our pick took third on debut over course and distance and sets a reasonable standard on that run. Encouragement is drawn from the yard's current run of form and from a solid looking draw this colt may take some pegging back under Joe Fanning. It was a horse from Barry Hills' stable that won the race our pick was third in last time so it's interesting they're happy to resume rivalry with the Johnston horse in the shape of Tajaarub. The three-year-old is bred to be decent at around a mile and a half so this seems a suitable starting point and, as ever with a newcomer from the yard, a market check is essential. Our feeling is that the pair mentioned will come clear of the field, who may be led home by Larkrise Star. The filly has shown progressive form in moderate contests and may be found wanting here, with a rating of 68 setting a standard that should be surpassed. Mister Pleau is another newcomer from a yard that can ready one and also merits a market check, despite the fact he's not as regally bred as the Hills runner. Corres should leave his debut form well behind in time and it's interesting that he was well punted but more will be required here whilst Pascalina needs this run to gain a handicap mark and might do better in that sphere. This has the makings of an interesting maiden, one that will further enhance the good form of Mark Johnston's yard should Atlantic Tiger win as we expect him to.
Atlantic Tiger (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led after 2f, headed over 3f, kept on final furlong, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Bebopalula (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Corres (IRE) 11-4fav (8-9) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden well over 2f out, late headway, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 9l behind Ginger Jack (8-9) at Kempton 1m mdn auc stks (5) pol.
Mister Pleau (USA) Milwaukee Brew colt out of Aim To Please.
Tajaarub Lomitas colt out of Simacota.
Larkrise Star 3-1 (9-0) With leaders, led 5f out, strongly driven and pressed 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 12, 8l behind Sent From Heaven (9-0) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn fll (4) pol in Jul.
Pascalina 50-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Purple Gallery (8-7) at Lingfield 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
