bumped start, in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
led 1f, chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden 5f out, weakened over 3f out
prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
pulled hard, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
went left start, held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
hampered start, always towards rear
Alfonso has been working well enough at home to warrant support ahead of Global Achiever and Bookiesindexdotcom. Trainer Barry Hills also had Fizzy Lady earmarked for this maiden but the fact that he relies on Alfonso is a pointer in itself. The son of Efisio was confined to just two outings as a juvenile, both over six furlongs, at Newbury and Newmarket last October. He finished fourth at Headquarters, which was encouraging given that he is a brother to the Lincoln winner Pablo, and is related to decent middle-distance performers Dakota and Warpath on the dam's side. Like them he is owned by Guy Reed and should give the owner more success when eventually stepped up in trip. However, he does not appear to have a great deal to do on his seasonal reappearance, and if his work on the track matches his efforts on the gallops, then he should go close. Global Achiever has been placed twice on the all-weather this year, but was dropped back to this trip last time, and there may be stamina doubts, enough to put us off, while Bookiesindexdotcom has had plenty of opportunities and went out like a light in handicap company a fortnight ago. Sir Mark Prescott gives Mrs Brown her third outing so she will then qualify for a handicap rating. One of three stable entries at the five-day stage, she is worth noting over the next few weeks, given her trainer's liking for getting one ready, so to speak. On this occasion though we prefer to stick with Alfonso in the belief that he is ready to do himself justice.
