tracked leader, led over 1f out, kept on well
led and pulled hard, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden over 1f out, one pace
slowly into stride, in rear and in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
Irish import Golden Flower opened her account in a maiden over 5f here last time and there should be more to come from her now she's got her head in front. However, ARCHIE STEVENS makes more appeal as the C&D winner ended last year with a win at Lingfield. Only 3lb higher today, he's preferred to 7f maiden winner Be On The Bell as the latter has failed to figure in a couple of handicaps so far. Clear Loch is getting closer but needs another step forward on his handicap debut if he's to trouble the selection.
Archie Stevens 5-2 (9-4) Close up, chased leader halfway, ridden and every chance from 2f out, driven and stayed on to lead near finish, won at Lingfield 6f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec beating Small Fury (9-3) by nk, 4 ran.
Golden Flower 1-4fav (8-12) Made all, clear over 1f out, edged right and pushed out final furlong, comfortable, won at Wolverhampton 5f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec beating Black Rider (9-3) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Be On The Bell 12-1 (8-13) Dwelt in touch in rear, ridden 2f out, never a factor, last of 6, 4 1/2l behind Lilac Lace (8-4) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Clear Loch 7-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Gift Of Music (8-12) at Wolverhampton 6f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Nov.