led until 2f out, chased winner until over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, weakened to 4th close home
pressed leader, led 2f out, wide straight, clear when hung right final furlong, driven out
slowly into stride, held up last, effort on outside over 1f out, stayed on to 3rd close home
tracked leading trio, went 3rd 2f out, effort between horses to 2nd over 1f out, no impression
slowly into stride, soon tracking leading duo on inside until pushed along 2f out, ridden on inside over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Better Self and Jackie Love look up against it on today's terms, while it's no surprise to see the so far disappointing Ilissos dropping down to this level. Kempton winner Broughtons Day has every chance judged on his form at the start of the year and a bold bid looks likely from him, but CHARLIE SMIRKE is just preferred. Twice a winner over C&D early last season, today's drop in class and the presence of Ryan Moore could prove a winning combination and he gets the nod.
Broughtons Day 15-8fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 10, 8l behind Woolfall Sovereign (9-4) at Wolverhampton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Charlie Smirke (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 4th post, 4th of 11, 4l behind Sunset Kitty (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Better Self 18-1 (8-0) Always in rear, 7th of 8, 11l behind Avon River (9-10) at Ffos Las 1m clm stks (6) gf.
Ilissos (USA) 9-2 (9-7) Held up in 6th, pushed along and unable to quicken over 3f out, driven and no response final 2f, tailed off, last of 7, 41l behind Dubai Glory (8-12) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Apr.
Jackie Love (IRE) 9-4 (8-7) Slowly into stride, in touch, effort on outer 2f out, ridden and no impression from over 1f out, 4th of 6, 5l behind Roodee Queen (8-7) at Wolverhampton 7f 3yo sell stks (6) pol in Apr.