pressed leaders, hung badly right from 2f out, no impression when eased just over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, not quicken and outpaced from inside final 2f
chased leaders, headway to lead over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, readily
started very slowly, always outpaced in rear, well behind from halfway
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and in touch halfway, weakened over 1f out
led narrowly until headed over 1f out, kept on, lost 2nd last stride
with leader, ridden 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra and weakened well inside final furlong
held up, ridden along over 2f out, stayed on steadily final furlong, took 2nd last stride
The vote in the opener goes to Chip Leader ahead of Rouen and Espartano. By Kyllachy, who looks an interesting sire, and from the Richard Hannon yard, Chip Leader looks of interest here and, if this is backed up by the betting, he should go well. Noverre is also a new sire with immense potential so Mick Channon's Rouen also rates a solid mention, and he is entitled to improve on his Redcar debut second. Carlitos Spirit ran green but then got the hang of things late on his Lingfield debut and is entitled to improve on that, while Espartano is related to three five-furlong juvenile winners and has a solid profile going into this race. Namid is interesting based on breeding but others might be sharper today. For us, these look to be the major players, with the vote going to Chip Leader.
Carlitos Spirit (IRE) 6-4fav (8-12) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, kept on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Love In May (8-7) at Lingfield 5f 2yo stk (4) pol in Mar.
Chip Leader Kyllachy colt out of a lightly-raced maiden.
Espartano Vettori colt, half-brother to 5f winners Kuringai, Melandre and Forces Sweetheart.
Lenard Frank (IRE) Daggers Drawn gelding out of 5f winner Princess Sofie.
Lord Blue Boy Atraf colt, half-brother to sprint winners Montev Lady and Lord Jack Flash.
Oi Vay Joe (IRE) Namid colt, half-brother to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Rouen (IRE) 9-4fav (8-11) Tracked leaders, driven over 2f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Spoof Master (8-8) at Redcar 5f 2yo stk (4) sft in Mar.
Camissa Averti filly out of winning sprinter Ambitious.