tracked leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, readily
took keen hold, led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra and lost 2nd inside final furlong
in rear, close up, effort and ran wide into straight 2f out, kept on one pace
dwelt, soon tracked leading pair, ridden 2f out and no impression untill stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong
tracked leading pair, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
A very tight looking handicap to round off proceedings, with preference for Mark Johnston's MONTEROSSO, but Nubar Boy and Tenacestream are worthy of inclusion on the shortlist. Monterosso has shown improvement in his maidens, winning here last time out over this trip last month. He looked a decent sort who was enjoying himself, and although it's never easy winning on handicap debut, he comes here off a realistic mark and can continue his progress. Nubar Boy is also a handicap debutant, who lost his maiden tag here last month. This represents another step up in trip, but that looks to be a positive move by Tom Dascombe, for whom he's the only interest on the card. Tenacestream was last of four here in a nursery second time out after winning on debut; both races were at six furlongs, so this is a significant step up in trip. He was a costly yearling and is being targeted towards much better races than this in the summer, either here or abroad. It's a trappy finale, but one we think can go the way of Monterosso to pay the diesel money.
Monterosso 13-8fav (9-3) Prominent, led over 3f out, clear approaching final furlong, driven out, readily, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn stks (5) pol in Jan beating Darshonin (9-3) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Tenacestream (CAN) 3-10fav (9-3) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, last of 4, 1 3/4l behind Edgewater (9-7) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-85) (2yo) (4) in Dec.
Nubar Boy 7-4 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on under pressure approaching final furlong, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Jan beating Neduardo (9-3) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Lisahane Bog 5-2 (9-5) Slowly into stride, held up, driven along 4f out, stayed on in to take distant 2nd over 1f out, never any chance with unchallenged winner, 2nd of 4, 15l behind Greyfriarschorista (9-2) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Kinky Afro (IRE) 5-2 (8-4) Held up in touch, pushed along halfway, good headway between horses just inside final 2f, led inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 7f Maiden Fillies Stakes (3-5yo) (6) pol in Jan beating Red Yarn (8-8) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Transfixed (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders and keen, one pace over 1f out, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Greyfriarschorista (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
