raced keenly early, tracked leader, left in lead 7f out, soon headed, stayed tracking leader, led 3f out, to 2f out, chased winner afterwards, no impression from over 1f out
held up last, in touch, progress to lead 2f out, ridden and hung left 1f out, soon clear and in command final furlong, pushed out, comfortably
led until hung badly right bend and headed briefly 7f out, soon led again, headed 3f out, ridden and soon in rear, outpaced final 2f
Only four go here but with all of them having won last time out the race has a very competitive look to it and we will side with EASTERN ARIA, with Laurie Grove perhaps next best. The selection still showed signs of greenness when winning over a mile at Southwell on her second start, but she was well in control of that fillies' maiden from some way out. This step up in trip looks ideal, she represents a yard going very well, and the runner-up at Southwell has since franked the form with a win, so we'll go with her. Laurie Grove was doing all his best work at the finish when winning a Great Leighs maiden in November, and Terry Mills gives the colt his first run since. The extra furlong should be no problem for him and he looks a danger if straight enough after the break. Pearl Of Manacor won a Wolverhampton maiden in January and makes a marked step up from six to nine furlongs tonight. That was not such a hot race but he could do no more than win, though his ability to see out this far has to be questionable here. Spring Of Fame completes the set of last-time maiden winners and did so over seven furlongs. He was impressive in context that day and pedigree suggests that this extra quarter-of-a-mile will be a positive. His chance is respected, but Eastern Aria gets the vote.
Laurie Grove (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden to lead entering final furlong, ran on (hand timed), won at Great Leighs 1m 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov beating Kansai Spirit (9-3) by 2l, 11 ran.
Spring of Fame (USA) 5-6fav (9-3) Tracked leader, led 3f out, driven clear final furlong, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Sept beating Charlie Smirke (9-3) by 5l, 12 ran.
Eastern Aria (UAE) 7-4fav (8-8) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, soon driven, ran on well, won at Southwell 1m mdn fll (5) fbs in Feb beating Air Maze (8-8) by 3l, 7 ran.
Pearl of Manacor (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden and bumped over 3f out, headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out, won at W'hampton 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan beating Gurteen Diamond (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
