took keen hold and soon pressed leader, every chance over 1f out, outpaced by easy winner inside final furlong, lost 2nd final strides
in touch, ridden to press leaders 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind, ridden and struggling final 3f
led, strongly pressed from 2f out, kept on well until headed and outpaced by easy winner inside final furlong, one pace
held up in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, shaken up to lead and quickened clear inside final furlong, easily
chased leaders, pushed along 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, driven to press leaders over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd final strides, no chance with easy winner
slowlu into stride, held up and keen, chased leaders over 6f out, still pressing leaders 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, nudged along 2f out, steadily weakened final furlong
slowly away and always struggling in rear
Valverde can uphold the Wood Ditton form, with Beckett Hall, His Honour, and Dance Spirit all out to stop him. Valverde was put in his place behind the hotpot Petrovich in division two of the Wood Ditton at Newmarket in April, and it is hoped that the son of Sinndar will improve enough to open his account. The way that he stayed on at the finish suggests that he will, and John Dunlop's colt gets the vote over the more experienced Beckett Hall. Richard Hannon's charge was just touched off at Windsor last time, but the third in that race, Alcyon, let the form down on Monday, and he may remain a maiden for a while longer. Brian Meehan has settled in nicely at Manton and has already started to churn out the winners, so any support for Dance Spirit will be interesting. The market will also reveal if anything else is fancied, including Rockatorri, but Valverde can find what is required to score.
Beckett Hall (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Led, strongly pressed, kept on from 2f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, kept on, held near finish, 2nd of 17, nk behind Masterofthecourt (9-3) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo mdn aut (5) gf.
Dance Spirit (IRE) Namid gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Dark Emotion Prince Sabo gelding, half-brother to winners up to 7f.
His Honour (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Held up, stayed on well from over 1f out, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 4l behind Makderah (8-12) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Simondiun Hernando gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f.
Stotsfold Barathea gelding, half-brother to 1m1f & 1m6f winner Maggie Tulliver.
Valverde (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 2f out, every chance and hung left approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 3l behind Petrovich (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Cape Maya Cape Cross filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
Queen Isabella 16-1 (8-6) Held up, never dangerous, 9th of 13,13l behind Futun (8-9) at Leicester 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gd in Apr.
Rockatorri Vettori filly out of 1m-1m2f winner Lady Rockstar.
Maud's Cat (IRE) Black Minnaloushe filly out of winning miler Tree House.
