pulled hard, soon chased clear leader, every chance well over 1f out, weakened approaching final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, stayed centre course and straight, ridden and close up 2f out, soon edged left, weakened approaching final furlong
raced freely, led and clear after 2f, ridden and headed well over 1f out, not quicken
pulled hard early, tracked leaders, lost place 3f out, switched and effort 2f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold early, held up, good headway to track leader well over 2f out, led well over 1f out, clear when flashed tail under pressure well inside final furlong comfortably
took keen hold, held up, ridden 3f out, effort and close up 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong
The step up in trip should suit Maneki Neko here, and he can just get home from Chantaco and Daisy Bucket. The Mark Tompkins-trained selection has been tried twice over six furlongs thus far, putting in a sound debut effort in a Newmarket maiden and then being held by Asian Tiger on fast ground here last time. Although that latest effort was an improvement, he can come on more for this step up and will get more time to make his mark on the contest over what will probably work out as being his optimum trip. Conversely, Chantaco has already been tried over seven furlongs in both his starts to date and has performed with plenty of credit, particularly when second over course and distance to My Princess last time out. We are not sure how he will perform now the ground is not quite as quick, but he should not be unduly inconvenienced and can again go very well. A repeat of his last run would see him go very close. Of the others Daisy Bucket makes appeal based her one length third of 14 at Yarmouth last time in a weak maiden, and she too can be involved for the minor honours if she improves for that, but we are happy to stick with Maneki Neko to pick up the prize.
