in touch, effort over 4f out, ridden and weakened 3 out
prominent, led after 4f, made rest, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on strongly
led 4f, chased winner until lost place halfway, soon behind
in touch, chased winner over 4f out, effort 2f out, ridden and no impression approaching final furlong
chased leaders, outpaced over 4f out, soon weakened
with leaders, lost place 5f out, soon weakened
held up, headway to chase leaders over 5f out, outpaced 4f out, kept on same pace final 2f, never dangerous
held up behind, outpaced halfway, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 7f out, soon struggling, tailed off 3f out, virtually pulled up flat
Santo Stefano has experience now and can win this at the expense of Prince of Gdansk and Bentons Choice. The selection comes form the Howard Johnson yard who always warrant respect in these races. He was second on his debut over in Ireland and lost nothing in defeat when third to Touch of Irish at Newcastle on his first run for new connections. If showing the same level of form he will prove difficult to beat. Prince of Gdansk has his first run but Alan Swinbank can ready them first time of asking so any market support should be noted. Bentons Choice ran well on his first outing when third of nineteen at Wetherby. Improvement is likely so he is another to note. But for the winner we return to Santo Stefano.
Bayfirth (IRE) 125-1 (10-9) Behind after 4f, never dangerous, 8th of 11, well behind Charity Lane (10-13) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Feb.
Bentons Choice 9-1 (10-8) Held up, mid-division, headway 10f out, led over 4f out, headed over 3f out, one pace, 3rd of 19, 6l behind Crackerjack Lad (11-4) at Wetherby 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Jardines Jack 200-1 (10-11) With leader and raced wide, weakened halfway, tailed off, last of 19, well behind Kaskader (10-10) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft.
Santo Stefano (IRE) 15-8 (11-3) Held up mid-division, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, lost 2nd when weakening final furlong, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Touch of Irish (11-10) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Tantobie (IRE) Executive Perk gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Roman Bury 100-1 (10-13) Held up, driven over 5f out, soon lost place, 8th of 9, 29l behind Dancingwithbubbles (11-9) at Southwell 2m mrs nhf (6) gd in Jan.
Caitlin Ash Karinga Bay filly out of a moderate racemare.
High Meadow Rose Emperor Fountain filly out of winning hurdler Oatis Rose.
Loves Life 50-1 (9-11) Always behind, struggling badly final 6f, 17th of 18, well behind Cloudy Times (10-11) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) gs.
Prince of Gdansk (IRE) Oscar gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Almond Court (IRE) Accordion mare out of Glencairn Fox.
Buzz Sauvage (IRE) Loup Sauvage filly out of The Ultimate Buzz.
