in rear, ridden 2f out, soon went 3rd, kept on same pace
slowly away, in rear, pushed along 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
tracked winner, pushed along over 1f out, one pace and no impression
made all, clear over 1f out, kept on well
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, faded final furlong
Under Attack looked certain to be suited by this sort of trip when runner-up to Murad Khan over a mile at Chelmsford. That winner is trained by Hugo Palmer who runs the newcomer Zorlu here though wearing blinkers on debut isn't a good sign. Young Christian has improved with every run but will need more as VICTORY BOND could win some nice races this season. William Haggas' colt has a middle-distance pedigree and the Dante entry got off to a cracking start when chasing home the favourite Algometer at Newbury in October.
On Fire 33-1 (9-5) Mid-division, outpaced 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 5th of 10, 9 1/2l behind Garcia (9-5) at York 7f mdn stks (3) gs in Oct.
Rich Pursuit Pastoral Pursuits gelding out of Salvia.
Under Attack (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Unruly in stalls, in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd near finish, no threat to winner, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Murad Khan (8-13) at Chelmsford City 1m mdn stks (5) pol in Apr.
Victory Bond 16-1 (9-5) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, shaken up and went 2nd 1f out, kept on towards finish, always held, 2nd of 15, 3/4l behind Algometer (9-5) at Newbury 1m mdn stks (4) gs in Oct.
Young Christian 11-1 (9-5) Led, headed over 6f out, tracked leader, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 1 1/4l behind Jive Time (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
Zorlu (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt out of Special Assignment.