tracked leaders in 4th, effort on inside approaching final furlong, never able to challenge
led, hard driven over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, kept on well
chased leaders, reminders halfway, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead inside final furlong, all out
Just the four turn up for this nursery and we will side with one who is at least battle-hardened in this sphere, PICENO, to score. David Nicholls has taken the reins since this juvenile won twice for Luca Cumani in the summer and he has gone up 6lb for the latest of those, which came at Newmarket in August. He does have to prove himself on this surface on his first try (both his wins have been on soft ground) but if he handles it then he will prove tough to beat. Bilko Pak steps up in trip and pedigree suggests that he might find improvement, but the handicapper has dropped him for winning a claimer and he looks to have a bit to do. The step up in trip should suit Islesman, who took a Wolverhampton maiden auction over 7f last time and can improve to take a hand, while Tullius made a good fist of his nursery debut here and from 1lb higher is respected in a tough race to call.
Bilko Pak (IRE) 11-10fav (8-8) Tracked leaders going well, quickened between horses to lead entering final furlong, ridden clear, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo clm stks (6) pol beating Takeaway (8-6) by 2l, 5 ran.
Islesman 14-1 (8-9) In touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well towards finish, won at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol beating Fifth In Line (8-3) by nk, 11 ran.
Piceno (IRE) 4-5fav (8-8) Made all, ridden over 2f out, soon joined, hung right from over 1f out, bumped rival close home, just held on, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Aug beating Askaud (8-10) by nk, 8 ran.
Tullius (IRE) 7-2fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, led near finish, caught post, 2nd of 10, hd behind Romantic Wish (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol.
