tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden, weakend over 2f out
held up in touch, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, stayed on well
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, effort when not much room over 1f out, switched right and kept on under pressure final furlong
led after 2f, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
In a small but competitive handicap, Alba Stella is just preferred on her handicap debut, with Maritime Blues and Ototm also considered. The latter looked on the upgrade when winning a handicap over this trip at Brighton a couple of starts ago, but hasn't really impressed with his attitude of late and Alec Stewart's charge does not look one to get heavily involved in. Maritime Blues was chasing a hat trick when slightly disappointing at Nottingham last time, but if James Given's colt could return to his earlier form he would have every chance here despite top weight. But we'll take a chance with Alba Stella, although it is admittedly something of a stab in the dark. She is a half-sister to the Champion Stakes winner Alborada, and takes a significant step up in trip for her handicap debut. That is a typical profile of the sort of horse Sir Mark Prescott thrives with, and any money for her in the market would give us extra confidence
