tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
very slowly away, ridden and soon recovered to be close up, took keen hold, ridden and hung right 3f out, soon went 3rd, no impression final 2f
None are easily dismissed including the recent maiden winners Framed Masterpiece and Nellie The Elegant. The former's win came over track and trip and Frankthetank has won three times at this venue this year, though a 12lb rise for his latest victory proved beyond him at Wolverhampton last time. Stoney Quine's course wins at the end of last year came in plating company so the vote goes to Derek Shaw's DAY STAR LAD, a winner without a penalty after landing an apprentices' race by seven lengths over course and distance last week.
Framed Masterpiece 11-2 (9-5) Soon slight lead, clear over 2f out, stayed on well, won at Southwell 1m 2yo mdn stks (5) fbs in Nov beating Lesha (9-5) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Frankthetank (IRE) 12-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 5, 6l behind Fitzgerald (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (3) pol.
Nellie The Elegant 16-1 (8-5) Led, headed over 6f out, stayed handy, ridden over 2f out, led again inside final furlong, driven out, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn fll (5) pol in Feb beating Rose Kazan (8-5) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Day Star Lad 3-1 (9-5) Keen tracked leading trio, headway to track leader over 2f out, shaken up to lead just inside final furlong, drew clear, won at Southwell 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) fbs beating Sky Ranger (9-4) by 7l, 7 ran.
Stoney Quine (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Chased leaders on inside, pushed along over 5f out, soon lost place and behind halfway, tailed off, 6th of 7, 25l behind Ain't No Surprise (8-2) at Wolverhampton 7f sell stks (6) pol in Feb.