behind, ridden halfway, weakened quickly, tailed off
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression entering final furlong
dwelt, soon prominent, effort to chase leaders over 1f out, no extra final 100 yards
prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on same final furlong, took 2nd near finish
pressed leader, led over 2f out, no quicken and headed final 50 yards
held up, headway over 1f out, ran on well to lead final 50 yards, comfortably
held in rear, effort on inside, kept on final furlong, never nearer
Not a strong maiden to get the day underway, with only three of the runners looking to have sound claims. Jagged will be much happier returning to this trip having found five-furlongs on the sharp side last time. He had previously ran well enough on his debut over this course and distance and will be difficult to beat, while Janes Valentine has shown enough to suggest she has a little race in her. She wasn't suited by the slow early pace here on Wednesday and is certainly capable of much better, especially with Richard Quinn doing the steering. However, a chance is taken with St Ivian, who has plenty of experience behind him. While he isn't open to the improvement of his rivals, and has to prove himself on this surface, he is a battle hardened gelding, who handled faster ground on turf. On official ratings he has something in hand of his rivals and he gets the vote to lose his maiden tag. Ziet D'Alsace is one to keep an eye over this trip, as he showed plenty of speed at Southwell before dropping away. This shorter trip and faster surface may see him in a better light.
