tracked winner, stayed stands side and left in lead over 8f out, headed 4f out, still every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
led, went far side over 8f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, stayed stands side, behind final 2f
pulled hard in touch, stayed stands side, led stands side group 4f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
A weak middle distance maiden and the vote goes to Alaared ahead of sole serious rival Vipassana with both Itchington and Fabrinese having shownonly modest form to date. John Dunlop's charge came up against an improved rival when a distant runner-up in a similar event at Sandown last time but had previously shown enough ability to win a race of this nature when chasing home the useful Prince Holing at Salisbury. Rated 83 for handicap purposes, it will be a surprise if the one-eyed Alaared cannot make the most of a straightforward opportunity. Vipassana is a well-bred filly but has been only lightly campaigned and may have had her training difficulties. Sir Michael Stoute's charge showed some ability on her only start as a juvenile and may have found ten furlongs an inadequate test of stamina. The daughter of Sadler's Wells should appreciate the step up in trip but needs to have improved significantly to get the better of Alaared who should finally open his account.
