dwelt, held up in rear, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong
in touch 8f
held up in rear, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
led, headed 10f out, led over 4f out, ridden, headed over 3f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out
raced keenly, close up, led over 3f out, ridden out
This is a fascinating race, and each of the six runners can be given chance. For us, though, Fiddlers Wood shades it ahead of Abstract Art. The selection was always likely to improve for middle distances and last season's Zetland Stakes second got his head in front at Wolverhampton last time over that track's extended mile. Today's trip will suit much better and it will be disappointing if he does not go well. Abstract Art defied the doubters when scoring nicely over course and distance last time, looking progressive in the process. He is respected, as is Fusili, who is tough and can keep on improving as she steps up in trip again today, Bariloche, who clearly appreciated stepping up to today's trip when scoring at Southwell last time, course winner Soho Square, who could also improve again at today's trip, and Lightning Strike, whose rating looks to be fair based on his course and distance maiden win. As we say, it's a fascinating race, with the vote going to Fiddlers Wood.
Fusili (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (8-10) Held up, closed on leaders 2f out, ran on gamely to get up last strides, won at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) pol beating Direct Debit (9-4) by a hd, 8 ran.
Fiddlers Wood 1-2fav (8-5) Always prominent, driven to lead 2f out, edged left from 1f out, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Feb beating Webbow (9-12) by 3l, 10 ran.
Abstract Art (USA) 9-2 (9-2) Held up, headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) pol beating Meadow Mischief (8-13) by 1l, 8 ran.
Bariloche 10-1 (9-4) Hampered start, soon in touch, joined leader 5f out, hung left from over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Southwell 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) fbs beating Orvietan (9-4) by 5l, 11 ran.
Soho Square 3-1jt-fav (9-0) Soon led, joined over 1f out, ran on well, just held on, won at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb beating Jebel Ali (9-0) by a hd, 14 ran.
Lightning Strike (GER) 14-1 (9-3) Prominent, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, readily, won at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) pol beating Raslan (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.