tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, driven over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on under pressure
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 3f out, outpaced over 2f out
always towards rear and ran green
tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, challenged and every chance inside final furlong when veered badly right held near finish
in rear and keen, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
held up, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
CHAPTER AND VERSE steps up in trip on what's his fourth outing, and can take this modest opener, with the main rivals likely to be Mt Kintyre and Shaaridh. With two debutantes though, and the remainder having their first run of the season, fitness must be taken on trust, and a market check's essential. Barry Hills' runners always command respect though, and his colt Chapter and Verse has his first run at anything above seven furlongs. Not always the quickest away, the extra distance gives him time to rectify any early problems. In fact none of these have raced above a mile before, so there may be doubts about getting the trip. Mt Kintyre has also had three runs, including when at the tail of a million Euro race in Ireland last time out. More modest ambitions are likely to suit. Mark Johnston's Shaaridh looked promising early on on debut, but subsequently finished well down the field. Anne Duffield's pair of Marillos Proterras and Berriedale don't make much appeal, while the two newcomers, Emerald Hawk and Gosforth Park could be absolutely anything. It would be minimum stakes for us, but with a view to checking the market, we'll tentatively suggest experience in the form of Chapter and Verse can win it.
Chapter And Verse (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f, one pace final furlong, 6th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Roman Republic (9-0) at Doncaster 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Emerald Hawk (IRE) Hawk Wing colt out of Fabulous Pet.
Gosforth Park Generous colt out of Love And Kisses.
Herawati 40-1 (8-9) Towards rear, struggling over 3f out, 12th of 13, 29l behind Splinter Cell (8-11) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) sft in Aug.
Mt Kintyre (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Never a factor, 16th of 18, 10l behind Soul City (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo stk gd in Sep.
Berriedale 100-1 (8-12) Chased leaders over 2f out, soon beaten, 10th of 20, 16l behind Shady Lady (8-12) at Redcar 1m 2yo mdn aut (6) gd in Oct.
Marillos Proterras 12-1 (8-12) Raced wide, in rear, ridden after 3f, soon behind, last of 12, 27l behind Hometown (8-12) at Southwell 1m 2yo mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Nov.
Shaaridh (USA) 9-1 (9-0) Prominent, led over 5f out, headed over 2f out, soon lost place, 10th of 12, 19l behind Bombina (9-0) at Yarmouth 1m 2yo mdn fll stks (5) gd in Oct.
