tracked leader, ridden along halfway, had every chance approaching final furlong, soon weakened
slowly into stride and behind, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
steadied at start and soon tracking leaders, smooth progress 2f out, quickened to lead inside final furlong, ran on
towards rear, and soon chased along, headway 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders to halfway
prominent, effort when hung left over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
Most of these have had a few runs, but we're going to side with a debutante, and that's CIPHER, who we prefer to the experienced Abu Derby and Who's Shirl. Mark Johnston's filly could be absolutely anything, but given his record in this sort of contest and the form of those who have run before, we're happy to support her. If she doesn't win today, she'll race at Yarmouth on Thursday. Abu Derby's raced eight times already, with his best effort to date coming at Southwell, so he may prefer some give in the ground. This is his first run since January. Who's Shirl was narrowly beaten here last time out in a similar contest when stepped down in trip. Along with Cipher, she's got a good draw. First time blinkers may help Dance Society, but he's got a lot of improvement to find. The market is likely to give some clues as ever in a maiden, and the favourite's landed this in the last six years, usually at a very short price.
Abu Derby (IRE) 7-2 (9-2) Chased leaders, effort well over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 6, 7l behind Desert Strike (9-4) at Great Leighs 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Cipher Reset gelding out of Subtle Charm.
Dance Society 80-1 (9-3) Mid-division, effort halfway, soon beaten, last of 14, 31l behind Hunterview (9-3) at Beverley 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) sft in Sep.
Go Alone (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, never troubled leaders, 8th of 11, 14l behind Highkingofireland (8-12) at Ripon 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) gs.
Monsieur Harvey 66-1 (9-3) Prominent for 4f, 11th of 13, 18l behind Strictly (8-7) at Doncaster 6f mdn auc stks (5) gs.
April Lady (IRE) 66-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, weakened well over 1f out, 7th of 8, 12l behind Premier Lad (9-3) at Southwell 6f 3yo mdn stks (5) fbs in Feb.
Jill Le Brocq Reset filly out of Our Krissie.
Lily Jicaro (IRE) 22-1 (9-4) Soon prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 18l behind Crystallize (9-1) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Who's Shirl 11-1 (8-12) With leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Laura's Lady (8-12) at Redcar 6f fll mdn stks (5) fm.
Exopuntia 66-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, mid-division, weakened 2f out, 11th of 12, 14l behind Purissima (8-12) at Warwick 6f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Francis Albert Mind Games gelding out of Via Dolorosa.
Noble Attitude Best Of The Bests filly out of Charming Lotte.
