with winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
slowly into stride, switched to outer after 1f, ridden well over 2f out, no impression after
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
behind, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, kept on to chase winner final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
made virtually all, ridden over 2f out, kept on well to go clear inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, switched right and headway over 1f out, ran on well final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
A tough start to the day's proceedings at Haydock on Sprint Cup day with plenty of the 11-runner field having claims in this nursery including Richard Hannon's duo of Billy Allen and Top Spec, plus the Brian Meehan-trained Sioux River but the vote goes to Fritillary. There is little to choose between the selection and Papeete, from the stable of Willie Haggas, on a line through Kirkstone but narrow preference is for Sir Mark Prescott's horse who may have more scope for improvement, particularly over this trip. Top Spec is just preferred of the two Hannon horses as Billy Allen is less likely to last out the mile, while Mick Channon's Arfinnit has to be respected as the yard has a great record in this type of contest. Mark Johnston should have a good line to the selection through Kirkstone but we are happy to side with Fritillary, who is taken to give Sir Mark Prescott another winner.
