tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, effort over 1f out, no impression final furlong
started very slowly, in rear and soon ridden along, never a factor and eased inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden and no impression 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
held up in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no progress
chased winner to over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
steadied start, behind, ridden and outpaced 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders
made all, soon led, shaken up over 1f out, ran on gamely final furlong, pushed out readily
towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never near leaders
Nonrunner
Wi Dud is sure to have an exciting season but is up against some seasoned older professionals here and so is taken on. Sierra Vista and Firenze make up the shortlist, but the nomination goes to Irish raider Dandy Man. A facile winner on his latest start at Naas, this Group Three winner can land this on his way to a tilt at some bigger prizes later in the season. He improves with his racing so that first run looks pretty devastating and he gets the nod. Although he has run well on soft before, the ground is a slight concern and if any horse is to take advantage, it could be the hat-trick seeking Sierra Vista. David Barker's mare has been in good form of late but this race requires another step up. Wi Dud has the potential to be anything and whilst he gets weight from the whole field, we will take him on in this first crack against older horses. Red Clubs and Moss Vale are two more for consideration as both possess plenty of talent, however Firenze could be the joker in the pack. James Fanshawe's mare scored readily on her recent reappearance and looks to have wintered well. She can continue her progression this year and could be a force to be reckoned with this summer. This looks really competitive, however Dandy Man looks one to keep on the right side of and can win again.
Moss Vale (IRE) 7-2fav (10-0) Broke well, led before halfway, ridden and strongly pressed under 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same under pressure, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Benbaun (9-12) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 gf.
Red Clubs (IRE) 16-1 (9-6) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, led well over 1f out, headed enteringing final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Amadeus Wolf (9-2) at York 6f Grp 2 (1) gd.
Excusez Moi (USA) 8-1 (9-7) Held up in touch, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Munaddam (9-7) at Haydock 7f lst stk (1) gd.
The Trader (IRE) 15-8 (8-13) Held up in rear, pushed along halfway, never dangerous, 5th of 7, 9l behind Tax Free (8-7) at Leicester 5f stk (4) gf in Sept.
Angus Newz 4-1 (9-11) Made all, shaken up over 1f out, ran on final furlong, won at Ripon 6f fll hcp (3) gd beating Gallery Girl (9-3) by 1l, 7 ran.
Firenze 7-2fav (9-7) Raced stand's side, held up, headway 2f out, ridden to lead final 150 yards, ran on, won at Nottingham 6f lst fll stk (1) gs beating Perfect Story (9-3) by 2l, 11 ran.
Sierra Vista 7-2 (9-7) Made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on well, won at Haydock 5f hcap (2) gf beating River Falcon (9-4) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Wi Dud 10-1 (8-12) Held up, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Dutch Art (8-12) at Newmarket 6f 2yo Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.
Dandy Man (IRE) 4-6fav (9-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, smooth headway to lead under 2f out, clear over 1f out, eased close home, impressive, won at Naas 5f lst stk (1) gf in Apr beating Flash McGahon (9-2) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
