mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon no impression
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
took keen hold in mid-division, behind final 4f
switched left soon after start, always behind
held up, headway not clear run on inside 3f out, no impression final 2f
mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, good headway over 4f out, chased winner over 3f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway 3f out, chased winner well over 1f out, not quicken
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong
chased leader, led 4f out, ridden out
chased leaders until ridden and weakened over 3f out
led, headed 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
It is hardly surprising that a tongue strap and visor are being applied to assist Don Pasquale, who looked far from genuine when hanging all the way down the straight over course and distance three weeks ago. Even so, he is hard to oppose in this company, as the likes of Blakeshall Hope and Davenport have not really set the world alight and both have improvement to find. The last named put in a better performance last time and he looks worth a try over this sort of trip. Whereas Blakeshall Hope hung badly on his latest start and he looks little better than a low-grade handicapper. He may be best watched on only his second start for his new yard. A move for Pittsburgh could prove to be significant as his two previous efforts read quite well in the context of this race. However, he may just need this after his winter break and may also be best watched. Therefore, it underlines the quality of the race when Don Pasquale looks the most reliable option. Every measure looks to have been taken in a bid to get him off the mark today and, with Eddie Ahern doing the steering, he is given another chance today.
Coquin d'Alezan (IRE) Cadeaux Genereux gelding, half-brother to Flat and hurdles winner Haakool.
Mephistos Kick 16-1 Steadied start, held up, ridden over 1f out, kept on, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 5l behind The Number at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (D3) pol.
Senor Set (GER) 66-1 Dwelt, headway 3f out, hung left from well over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 6l behind Pass The Port at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn aut (E) fbs in Jun.
Shaaban (IRE) 12-1 Mid-division, headway halfway, ridden to chase winner over 2f out until over 1f out, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Rawaabet at Southwell 1m mdn stk (D3) fbs in Jan.
Davenport (IRE) 12-1 Held up, switched right 3f out, headway to chase leaders, hung left 1f out, 4th of 10, 3l behind Langston Boy at W'hampton 7f 3yo mdn (D3) pol in Jan.
Don Pasquale 11-10fav Mid-division, headway 3f out, led well over 1f out, soon hung badly right to stand rail, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Self Respect at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn (D3) pol in Jan.
Pittsburgh 7-2 In touch, headway over 4f out, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 16, 10l behind Notability at Bath 1m 2yo mdn (D3) gs in Oct.
Blakeshall Hope 66-1 Behind, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, nearest at finish, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Fasylitator at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo clm (F4) pol in Jan.