dwelt, soon in touch, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, ran green in rear, kept on steadily from over 1f out but never dangerous
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up towards far side rear, headway 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never reached leaders
keen hold with leaders, went 2nd 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, kept on
soon close up nearside, effort 2f out, led over 1f out, edged left, ridden out
mid-division, hard ridden over 2f out, kept on but never going pace to reach leaders
started slowly, in rear, some moderate late headway
unseated rider in stalls, chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, soon one pace
slowly into stride, recovered and soon in touch, weakened quickly over 2f out, tailed off
soon led, ridden 2f out, unable to quicken and headed over 1f out, outpaced inside final furlong
keen hold in touch, kept on same pace final furlong
In a race including plenty of newcomers, Presto Shinko could be forward enough to score first time ahead of fellow debutante Khabfair, with Verkhotina best of those to have raced so far. Richard Hannon's colt, related to five winners, has no fancy entries at this stage but has been doing enough at home to warrant support by all accounts. With Richard Hughes to do the steering, he gets the vote ahead of the well thought of Khabfair who's dam is a half-sister to 2,000 Guineas winner Island Sands. Mick Kinane is an eyecatching jockey booking for Amanda Perrett's colt, while Kieren Fallon gets the leg up on Brian Meehan's Pizazz, who has entries in both the Middle Park Stakes and Redcar's Two-Year-Old Trophy. If none of those newcomers are up to the task, then Verkhotina may be the one to capitalise. Roger Charlton's filly was noted putting in good late work on her Folkestone introduction, and although a lot more is needed here, she is sure to have come on a few pounds. In what promises to be an informative event, Presto Shinko is the selection.
