tracked leaders, ridden 2f out and weakened
in touch, headway 4f out, joined winner over 2f out, every chance throughout final furlong, no extra close home
mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden 3f out, stayed on final 2f to chase clear leaders
in touch, ridden 2f out, one pace
tracked leader, led 5f out, ridden when headed approaching 3f out, one pace
keen, held on well, pulled way through 5f out to join leaders, weakened 2f out
held up towards rear, never better
A tough one to call as none have been noted for consistency, but Vittorioso should appreciate the drop in trip and is selected in preference to Livia, Cloudingswell and Ash Bold in a race that will not take too much winning. The last mentioned showed a glimpse of what he is capable of when going close in a Newcastle claimer in August. However, he reverted to type on his last start and it might be prudent to monitor the betting activities before getting involved with him. Cloudingswell has been tried in both codes without notable success and it will be a truly weak race if she can finally force her head in front today. That said, the best of her form does leave her with a chance of making the frame and she could be good value to do so here. Livia has a similar profile and her connections will probably have been as surprised as anyone when she finished runner up at odds of 66/1 in a Banded Stakes race at Warwick a fortnight ago. However, her profile does not suggest that she is one to rely on heavily as she bids to win a race for the first time and the likelihood is that she will find at least one that is too good again. Which we think can be Vittorioso, who looks worth a try over this trip after failing to get home over ten furlongs of late. As the sole runner from Gay Kellaway's yard today, the three-year-old can be expected to have no stone unturned in his preparations and, with Brian Reilly taking 3lb off with his claim, a bold bid is anticipated here.
