led after 1f, ridden and gained stand side over 3f out, headed approaching 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace inside final 2f
tracking leaders when hampered on bend after 1f, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, one pace
Louphole, Miss Cassia, Ninja Storm and Dane's Castle are all worth consideration in a tricky opener to the card, but Mulberry Lad is given the narrow preference above them all and is taken to score. The selection is clearly going the right way and he improved on his debut run to finish a good second behind Annatalia at Bath last time out. The front two had pulled well clear of the rest of the field in that race and with conditions to suit here and the slight step up in trip in his favour he should be capable of getting his head in front. Dane's Castle is another that has shown plenty of promise in his two runs to date but he has hung badly on both occasions and as he does not look the most straightforward, he is passed over. Louphole has not done a great deal wrong so far and if he gets the cover that he needs and is produced at the right time then he could be a leading player here, especially as his pilot Seb Sanders rides this track very well. That comment would also apply to Ryan Moore who partners Ninja Storm. This colt cost 40,000 gns and is clearly well-regarded as he went off favourite on his debut at Windsor. He looked to be getting the hang of things in the closing stages of that race when finishing fourth behind Sundance, and if the market speaks in his favour then it could pay to take the hint. Miss Cassia slipped at Bath when travelling well last time so she is another worth noting in the market, but for the winner we return to Mulberry Lad.
