prominent, led after 1f, drew clear over 1f out, driven out
held up towards rear, edged right and headway 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on well final furlong
mid-division, behind from over 3f out
towards rear, some headway over 2f out, no impression after
in touch, ridden 3f out, kept on final furlong, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden 3f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, effort 2f out, kept on same pace
with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led for 1f, chased leaders until weakened 2f out
chased leaders, no room over 4f out, soon behind
Many of these are bred to get a trip in time and this looks to be a race to view with an eye to the future. However, Brunel has done very little wrong in his two previous starts and he can put his experience to good use against fellow Derby entries Absolutelythebest and Screenplay - with Lochbuie and Game Dame respected out of the rest. The fact that the William Haggas team have secured the services of Darryll Holland for the ride aboard Brunel is another plus beside his name and the fact that the jockey deserts Lochbuie should be taken as a further confidence booster. Brunel was turned over at short odds at Newcastle last month but can be given the benefit of the doubt as that race was run at only a modest pace and he failed to pick up as expected near the finish. He was however, doing all his best work at the finish and this looks to be a good opportunity for Brunel to gain some compensation. Absolutelythebest is taken as the best alternative but he is arriving a little late on the scene to be one of his stable's leading players and the market will give the best clues towards confidence behind a first-time out winner for the Stoute team.
