held up mid-division, headway and not clear run over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on strongly
in touch, ridden well over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on well
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard in touch, lost place over 2f out
mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on well
slowly into stride, held up, headway over 1f out, never nearer
held up, never dangerous
in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on well final furlong
held up, some headway over 1f out, never on terms
always behind
led, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra final furlong
always behind
Pietersen took advantage of a lenient mark on the all-weathet and has had a very good winter, he looks sure to go well back on turf, however we will give a narrow vote here to Astroangel, Desert Soul and Eager Ivor are two others worthy of respect in a wide open affair. The Mark Tompkins trained filly returned to action at Folkestone earlier this month and ran a very solid race to finish just over four lengths behind Genki. Her form of last season was a bit erratic but on her best performances she must be on a decent mark here back in handicap company. Desert Soul hails from top connections and although no world beater he has shown enough to warrant a look in the betting. Eager Igor returned from a winter break with an excellent effort behind Ambrosiano and with the stable amongst the winners we have to fear this top-weight. The form of Pietersen and Knapton Hall is solid and so they cannot easily be discounted, but on this occasion we will just give the verdict to Astroangel.
Eager Igor (USA) 8-1 (9-4) Raced keen, held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Ambrosiano (9-2) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Nota Liberata 9-2fav (9-4) Chased leaders and raced keen, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 8l behind Ambrosiano (9-2) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Pietersen (IRE) 5-1fav (9-1) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, ran on, hung left but led well inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Feb beating Knapton Hill (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Meridian Grey (USA) 11-1 (8-10) Prominent, pushed along halfway, driven, one pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 4l behind Weekend Fling (8-8) at Catterick 6f mdn stk (5) gf.
Desert Soul 8-1 (9-4) Led, pressed 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 5l behind Hucking Heat (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Astroangel 14-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, in touch on rail, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, no impression on leaders, 4th of 9, 5l behind Genki (9-3) at Folkestone 6f 3yo mdn aut (5) gd.
Knapton Hill 11-2 (8-11) In touch, switch right 2f out, soon ridden, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Warwick 7f 3yo hcp (6) gf beating Candyland (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Flower of Cork (IRE) 15-2 (8-10) Prominent, ridden 3f out, led 2f out, headed post, 2nd of 10, nk behind Ten Dollars More (9-1) at Southwell 6f 2yo mdn auc (6) fbs in May.
