settled in rear, in touch, headway wide 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, stayed on to lead final half furlong, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced, stayed on to take 3rd well inside final furlong, not trouble first 2
led, ridden over 2f out, headed just over 1f out, weakened quickly inside final furlong
soon tracked leaders, effort 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, soon one pace
took keen hold, tracked leader, led just over 1f out, headed final half furlong, no extra
Espartano gets the call but Spoof Master, Il Palio and Scented Present all rate as dangers. Espartano won well over course and distance on his debut and is respected even though he has his penalty to carry. The Brocklesby winner Spoof Master also earns respect but we prefer Mark Wallace's runner of the pair. Il Palio's sixth behind Gilded at Newmarket last time was not a bad effort so he could go well, while Brian Meehan's speedily bred Scented Present is a very interesting newcomer. Finally, No Worries Yet's win came in a seller so more will be needed. In a race, then, where the betting should provide clues, we will opt for Espartano.
Espartano 4-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, readily, won at Windsor 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Apr beating Camissa (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Spoof Master (IRE) 8-11fav (9-2) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Lovelace (8-12) at Thirsk 5f nov stk (3) gs in Apr.
Il Palio (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Led, headed over 1f out, weakened and hung badly left final furlong, 7th of 9, 6l behind Gilded (8-13) at Newmarket 5f 2yo stk (3) gd in Apr.
Scented Present Foxhound colt, half-brother to winning sprinter Gifted Gamble.
No Worries Yet (IRE) 7-2fav (8-6) Prominent, led over 2f out, ridden out, won at Bath 5f 2yo sll (6) gs in Apr beating Sardis Road (8-8) by 1l, 10 ran.
