slowly into stride, in rear, stayed on from over 1f out
in touch, headway over 4f out to chase leading pair, one pace from over 1f out
made all, ridden over 2f out, challenged from over 1f out, kept on
slowly into stride, always behind
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened
tracked leaders to halfway
slowly into stride, some headway halfway, soon one pace
Pianoforte is given a chance to atone for his latest defeat, with New Wave, Key Time and Birthday Star seen as the main dangers. David Loder's charge is on a retrieval mission, having been a costly favourite on his all-weather debut at Lingfield 26 days ago. As in his three previous races on Turf, the son of Grand Slam had plenty use made of him, but had nothing left for the finish. The feeling is that if he can just be restrained a bit more, the talent is definitely there, and with in-form Neil Callan taking over in the saddle, hopes are high that he can add to to his stable's impressive winter record. Drawn in stall one, he has a sound chance and there should be no excuses this time. New Wave took time to get going on his debut over the course and distance three weeks ago, but looked better as the race went on and should be in there with a shout. Key Time has not impressed yet but his stable will place him to good effect when he is handicapped no doubt, while Birthday Star can only improve in time. On the overall form, Pianoforte is the one to beat if he can settle.