led until headed 2f out, stayed chasing winner until no extra final 100 yards
in touch in 5th, headway over 2f out, led and edged right 2f out, found little inside final furlong and headed final 75 yards
chased leader, ridden 3f out, close up over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, close up but ridden when hampered twice inside final 2f and weakened
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, headway on outside 2f out, stayed on to lead final 75 yards
ran green in rear, headway and in touch when stumbled inside final 3f, kept on steadily final furlong
This conditions event may see Mutahayya prevail over Gwaihir and Waterline Blue. Mutahayya won at the first time of asking when taking the Herbert And Gwen Blagrave Maiden Stakes at Salisbury, after which he was found to be lame. That was a commendable effort by the Derby entry who was John Dunlop's first two-year-old runner of the season. He may well have still been feeling the effects of that race when failing to confirm the form with Naadey at Newbury last time. However, he has been working well enough of late to command respect and gets the nod over Gwaihir who came sixth in the Goffs Challenge at the Curragh on the back of a Newbury win gained in spite of the fast ground. Pivotal Guest is battle hardened by now and is ultra-consistent, while Waterline Blue, although from an unfashionable stable, is a gutsy sort. Sir Michael Stoute runs Always First, a 200,000gns son of Barathea. They obviously think a bit about him to run him in this on his debut, but he is sure to need the experience. All in all, Mutahayya has the form in the book to merit the vote.
