keen hold, led 5f out, ridden over 1f, kept on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong
slowly into stride, behind and never a factor
raced alone far side, always prominent, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
dwelt, behind and soon pushed along, effort over 2f out, never dangerous
towards rear, headway and ridden 2f out, no extra final furlong
led, headed 5f out, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
Prince Aaron will be popular after some good all weather form, but we will take a chance on Val de Maal, with Hartshead another for the shortlist. The selection runs from 1lb higher than when a six furlong winner at Pontefract in August last year on good to firm. With all that in his favour and a couple of recent outings to get him straight, he could be back in with a chance here where there are doubts about all the others, and we take him to score. The doubt about Prince Aaron is his ability on turf. Rated 50 on his last turf start, he is now as high as 72, based on his form on the polytrack at Lingfield, where he has recorded three wins from his last six starts. If he can transform that back to the turf then he could go very well, but we are happy to oppose him here until convinced. Of the others, Hartshead makes most appeal. Tried over trips ranging from 12 furlongs or less, he ran well when seen out over this six furlongs for the first time at Thirsk on his latest start and he now they have found his trip he can go well again, despite a 5lb rise for coming second. Even so, we will side with Val de Maal to emerge victorious.
