in touch in rear, headway to chase leader over 2f out, soon ridden, every chance inside final furlong, led post
tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced over 2f out
led, headed 3f out, soon weakened
in touch in rear, headway to chase leader over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden 2f out, pressed inside final furlong, headed post
Mullins Way is interesting on his return to action for a new trainer as he showed plenty of promise in three starts last year. However, the handicapper has taken no chances with his current mark and he has a bit to prove. Maiden winners Stansonnit and Royal Hush have both struggled in handicaps, while Abidhabidubai has the help of a 7lb claimer having failed to get his head in front recently despite being strongly fancied. FILE AND PAINT scored at Navan for Jim Bolger in May and went close on good to soft ground over C&D on her debut for new connections. She gets the vote to go one better here back on a fast surface.
Mullins Way (USA) 6-4fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5f out, led on bit just over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Sensei (8-10) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jul '10.
Stansonnit 33-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear and keen, weakened over 5f out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Bridle Belle (8-10) at Ripon 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gs.
Royal Hush 11-4 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, hung left 2f out, no impression 1f out, last of 5, 7l behind Luv U Too (9-0) at Haydock 1m 3yo fll hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Abidhabidubai 4-11fav (8-12) Steadied start, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, effort 1f out, driven to challenge winner inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 4, hd behind Auto Mac (9-2) at Beverley 7f 3yo clm (5) gf.
File And Paint (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Dwelt in touch, led 3f out, ridden 2f out, driven and edged left inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 7, shd behind Bella Noir (9-10) at Redcar 1m flls hcp 0-75 (5) gs.