took keen hold, tracked leader after 1f, led 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, one pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong
in touch when clipped heels and unseated rider after 1f
mid-division, chased leaders and short of room on inside over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
prominent, slightly hampered after 1f and lost place, behind and never dangerous afterwards
slightly hampered after 1f, always in rear, never a factor
prominent, ridden to lead 1f out, drew clear final 100 yards (hand timed)
blind still on when leaving stalls, always in rear group
steadied start, towards rear, some headway over 1f out, unable to trouble leaders, soon one pace
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, stayed on for 2nd inside final furlong, not pace of winner
in touch, ridden 2f out, slightly outpaced stayed on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, behind when hampered after 1f, late headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer
led to 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A tricky opener for punters can go the way of Thoughtsofstardom, with Pearl Farm, Grand View, and Cativo Cavallino just three others for the shortlist. The selection showed a return to form when a good second at Southwell on Tuesday and only 4lbs above his highest winning mark, he could go well today despite his wide draw. Double M is a course and distance winner so cannot be left out of calculations, whilst the same applies to Staceymac who is back over a more suitable trip. Cativo Catallino just got up to win over an extra furlong here last month so the drop in trip today may not be ideal. Grand View has a 6lb penalty for his recent win over course and distance, however that wasn't the best contest ever and while he is consistent enough, he may be playing for place money this afternoon. Pearl Farm is returning from a lengthy break but should be monitored for signs of confidence in the market, however for the winner we will tentatively return to Thoughtsofstardom.
Thoughtsofstardom 12-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, no impression near finish, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Lady Bahia (9-0) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Staceymac (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) In touch, pulled hard early, ridden 2f out, soon beaten, 9th of 11, 8l behind Burhaan (8-7) at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Grand View 6-1 (9-0) Mid-division, bumped on outer over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f stk (7) pol beating Alucica (9-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Cativo Cavallino 20-1 (7-11) Tracked leader, effort over 1f out, stayed on to lead close home, won at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb beating What Do You Know (9-1) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Mind Alert 10-3 (8-9) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon beaten, last of 14, 10l behind Best Lead (8-3) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) fbs in Feb.
Pearl Farm 9-2fav (9-5) Mid-division, headway 2f out, stayed on to chase leading pair final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Elrafa Mujahid (9-7) at Lingfield 7f fll hcp (6) pol in Aug.
Double M 4-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Grand View (9-0) at Lingfield 6f stk (7) pol.
Arfinnit (IRE) 11-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, held up, headway over 1f out, never able to challenge, 7th of 13, 4l behind Firework (9-0) at Kempton 7f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Feb.
