tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, unable to quicken final furlong
held up, ridden and headway 2f out, went 2nd inisde final furlong, stayed on same pace
keen, held up, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, ridden 3f out, headed over 21f out, wekaneed inside final furlong
behind, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, headway final furlong, never nearer
held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression until stayed on inside final furlong
keen, mid-division, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
steadied start, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on wel inside final furlong
always prominent, ridden and led briefly over 1f out, kept on same pace
dwelt, held up, headway and switched to stand rail 2f out, led after 1f out, ridden and ran on
close up, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakend final furlong
The first of the recognised Classic Trials has drawn a very good field. Sir Michael Stoute runs his dual winner, Crystal Star. The Mark Of Esteem filly won a Listed race here over course and distance last October and should continue to progress. Cassis was third in last year's Mill Reef Stakes, run here over six furlongs, but should be better over a longer trip based on breeding although she disappointed behind Six Perfections after travelling badly to France when upped in trip for the Prix Marcel Boussac. Fancy Lady, one of two Barry Hills runners, showed plenty of speed at two, and Tante Rose, the trainer's other entry, progressed to win a backend Newmarket maiden, although the form has not worked out particularly well. She is progressive but more will be required here. The Green Desert filly, Goodness Gracious, is difficult to assess on the basis of her November Newmarket win but hails from an in-form yard. There is plenty of middle-distance blood in Illustria's pedigree although she was good enough to win over six furlongs here as a two-year-old. Littleton Arwen won a seven-furlong maiden on Lingfield's all-weather last season but is another that is entitled to progress this season. Peace Flag won Newmarket's restricted Challenge Cup last season after finishing behind Illustria on her debut. The Super Sprint winner Presto Vento showed plenty of speed last season, but Richard Hannon's main hope, it would seem, is Rag Top. She won four times from six starts last season, ending her campaign with victory at The Curragh in a Group 3 event. Unpenalised for that victory, she is sure to be fit for her return and is our selection for this race which, on official ratings, has many within a few pounds of each other. One that will not lack for race fitness is Clive Brittain's Wimple, following a return to action on the all-weather in March. All bar Fancy Lady hold the 1,000 Guineas option.
