chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never a threat
tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
made all, set steady pace until quickened over 3f out, drew clear over 1f out, eased closing stages, very easy
dwelt, chased leaders, effort on inside over 2f out, soon weakened
Sir Michael Stoute looks to have found a straightforward opportunity for ALTAAYIL. Rated 93 after a string of seconds, he should have little trouble taking care of winning hurdlers Smart Motive and Apterix having only their second starts on the level. Grey Gem may prove a bigger threat on his belated racecourse debut but he will need to be smart to get the better of the likely short-priced favourite.
Apterix (FR) 11-8fav (10-6) Prominent, challenged 3 out, soon ridden, carried right after 2 out, led flat, stayed on, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs beating Venue (11-6) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Smart Motive 20-1 (9-13) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, soon hard ridden, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Verismo (8-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (6) in Mar.
Altaayil (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Led, pushed along over 3f out, strongly challenged over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Chesil Beach (8-6) at Musselburgh 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Grey Gem (IRE) Danehill Dancer gelding out of Tiffany Diamond.