tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4f out, ridden over 2f out, effort over 1f out, ran on, but no impression on first two
tracked winner until ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
awkward leaving stalls, mid-division, headway to track leaders 4f out, ridden to press winner 2f out, ran on, always held
slowly into stride, mainly in rear
broke smartly from wide draw, made most towards stands side rail, ridden and ran on final furlong
dwelt, in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, ran on final furlong, never nearer
behind, ridden halfway, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, outpaced halfway, headway 2f out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3f out
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace
MAN OF ACTION, Bursary, and Tap Dance Way make the shortlist here, with Man of Action taken to fulfil the promise of a fine juvenile display. The market should be heeded for any shining light amongst the debutants, but preference is for those with experience, and there are several here who have shown ability. Mark Johnston has had a fine start to the season, and Bursary made an encouraging debut when hitting the frame at Nottingham . The value of the form is hard to assess at this stage but he looks sure to improve for the run. Tap Dance Way was placed on the all-weather, and although some may pass over that form, on closer inspection it looks a solid effort, with the runner-up that day winning since. Man of Action was given a tough introduction over this course and distance in October, showing good pace before being run out of it in the closing stages. Several winners and placed horses have emerged from what was clearly a smart contest, and Man of Action can prove too strong for his rivals.
Bursary (CAN) 3-1 (9-3) Led until over 6f out, chased leader, led 3f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken, 3rd of 12, 2 1/4l behind Inqaath (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 3yo mdn (5) gf.
Dirakh Shan Kyllachy colt out of Mi Amor.
Ertikaan 6-4fav (9-3) Prominent in main group, taken to join overall leader towards far side 4f out, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 14l behind Moretta Blanche (8-12) at Newbury 7f 3yo mdn (4) gf.
Excellent Aim 10-3 (9-3) In touch, improved 3f out, ridden and edged left well over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2 3/4l behind Timeless Stride (9-0) at Nottingham 6f 3yo mdn aut (5) gf.
Highland Knight (IRE) 100-1 (9-3) Mid-division on inside, pushed along and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 14, 10l behind Botanist (9-3) at Leicester 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Lyric Poet (USA) 18-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 9, 19l behind Hot Prospect (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sep.
Man Of Action (USA) 15-2 (9-0) Restless stalls, raced centre, tracked leader, led centre group 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out until inside final furlong, 3rd of 18, 2 1/2l behind Quick Wit (9-0) at Newmarket 7f mdn stks (4) gd in Oct.
Pearl Huntsman (USA) Johannesburg colt out of I'm A Caution.
Trecase Zafeen gelding out of Pewter Lass.
Upset Reset gelding out of Carreamia.
Bernie's Moon (USA) Bernstein filly out of Moonstar.
Faustina Antonius Pius filly out of Purple Rain.
Footsie (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) In touch, weakened 2f out, 13th of 21, 13l behind Modeyra (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2yo stks (4) gd in Oct.
Freedom Pass (USA) 20-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden well, weakened well over 1f out, last of 12, 16l behind Mutafajer (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf.
Just My Girl 200-1 (8-12) Raced keenly, in touch on outside, lost place 5f out, weakened over 2f out, soon eased, last of 12, well behind Lucky Breeze (8-12) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo mdn aut (6) gf.
Tap Dance Way (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Behind, not clearest of runs and switched left to outside over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Cansili Star (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) gf.
