in touch, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out
in rear, ridden and effort over 3f out, every chance well over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, always towards rear
always prominent, led over 1f out, soon edged left, kept on, headed close home
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, every chance just inside final furlong, not quicken near finish
held up, pushed along over 4f out, never on terms
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened 1f out
in touch until ridden and weakened well over 1f out
in touch, ridden and edged left 1f out, soon beaten
held up, ridden and brief effort well over 1f out, soon struggling
behind, headway 2f out, edged right over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead close home
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Stephano has been very consistent of late and is the pick in the finale ahead of Planters Punch, Zonic Boom and Eastborough. Stephano was a beaten favourite at Chepstow when having to be switched to make his effort two furlongs out, in the end going down by three-parts of a length to Nuts For You. Earlier wins at Redcar and Haydock show that Barry Hills's charge is on good terms with himself and off his current mark, he can go well. Planters Punch comes from a stable in fine fettle also at present, and should make a bold bid to go one better than when a very close second at Nottingham last time. Zonic Boom lacked a gear when a staying on third at Nottingham and so will find this a bit short again, while Eastborough bids to atone for an unlucky run at Bath in July, and if straight enough, can also figure in proceedings. All those mentioned have claims of sorts, but Stephano can get a nice split down the middle and is the pick.
