awkward leaving stalls, in rear, some headway 2f out, soon ridden, never able to challenge
behind, chased leaders over 2f out to over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden and outpaced on outside 2f out, never on terms
led, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out, tailed off
tracked leaders, headway on outside 3f out, led 2f out, driven clear final furlong, in command when eased towards finish
took keen hold early, tracked leader, challenged 4f out, led 3f out, headed 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression with leading pair final furlong
mid-division in touch, ridden 2f out, never on terms
mid-division in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to go 2nd 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, closed on eased down winner towards finish, always held
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace over 1f out
A 110,000gns purchase, Sir Michael Stoute's gelding Pistol is worth noting in the betting on his debut. EXPENSE CLAIM showed steady progress in maidens over 7f last term with a third at Goodwood in September his best effort. The half-brother to a dual 1m2f winner is expected to relish the step up in trip here and he gets the vote. Totom Chief posted a much better effort when third over 1m2f here in December and can figure on his return, while Call Me April has gone close in a couple of bumpers this year and the Generous filly is another to consider on her debut on the Flat.
Minstrel Lad 66-1 (10-0) Slowly into stride, always in rear, ridden 3f out, last of 6, 14l behind Cockney Sparrow (8-3) at Kempton 1m 2f mdn auc stks (5) pol in Mar.
Call Me April 7-2 (10-4) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, chased leaders 3f out, went 3rd over 1f out, stayed on to press for 2nd, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Kaysersberg (11-8) at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Smarty Time 100-1 (9-6) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, some headway over 2f out, no impression, soon well held, 6th of 10, 16l behind Splendid Light (9-13) at Kempton 1m 3f mdn stks (5) pol in Mar.
Total Obsession 66-1 (9-9) Tracked winner until weakened over 1f out, last of 3, 11l behind Billy Buttons (9-12) at Kempton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Mar.
Expense Claim (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Genius Step (9-3) at Goodwood 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Sep.
Hector's Chance 100-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 19l behind Waterclock (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Oct.
Ossie's Dancer 33-1 (9-3) Pushed along towards rear of main group, never on terms, 7th of 12, 16l behind Lanarkshire (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn stks (5) fbs in Mar.
Pistol (IRE) High Chaparral gelding out of Alinea.
Totom Chief 50-1 (8-11) Held up, headway 2f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, went 2nd briefly inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Quizzed (8-8) at Kempton 1m 2f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
