slowly into stride, ran green in last pair, headway on outside over 2f out, went 3rd 2f out, one pace when hung right and dropped to 4th inside final furlong
slowly into stride, in last pair, never on terms
slowly into stride, soon recovered to chase leading duo on outside, went 2nd 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on close home
took keen hold early in touch, hung right over 3f out, weakened halfway
led on rail, headed over 2f out, lost 3rd 2f out, soon outpaced, rallied to 3rd again inside final furlong, no chance with leading duo
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden and narrowly headed inside final furlong, kept on under pressure and rallied close home
close up on rail, weakened over 2f out
Richard Hannon's stable took this last year and have another live candidate this time around in North Star Boy, who cost 57,000gns as a yearling. Main Focus is a full brother to all-weather winner Signal Fire but may find this trip on the sharp side on this track. Noor Zabeel is by Elusive Quality out of a Storm Cat mare so should have plenty of speed but we like the look of Jeremy Noseda's Holy Roman Emperor colt ROMAN SOLDIER, who can make a winning debut providing his wide draw doesn't prove too much of a disadvantage.
Backtrade (IRE) Holy Roman Emperor colt out of Braari.
Evervescent (IRE) Elnadim gelding out of Purepleasureseeker.
Foxtrot India (IRE) Tagula colt out of Mayfair.
Main Focus (USA) Mizzen Mast colt out of Tsar's Pride.
Noor Zabeel (USA) Elusive Quality colt out of Brave The Storm.
North Star Boy (IRE) Acclamation colt out of Isla Azul.
Roman Soldier (IRE) Holy Roman Emperor colt out of Fermion.
Stepper Point 40-1 (9-3) With winner against stands' side rail over 2f, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 18l behind Magic City (9-3) at Newbury 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf.