tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
keen, held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
with leader, ridden and led 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
always prominent, ridden and every chance 1f out, kept on same pace
led for 5f, kept on same pace
held up, headway and not clear run from over 1f out, ran on close home, nearest finish
slowly away, pulled hard, always in rear
held up, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on
A trappy three-year-old sprint handicap featuring a number of progressive types and a tentative vote goes to Stormont ahead of Pivotal Point, Masaader, Titinius and Merlin's Dancer. The Hugh Collingridge-trained colt has put up some useful efforts in tough handicap company this term including a four-length second behind the rapidly improving Dazzling Bay in a valuable contest at York last time. The son of Marju should have no difficulty in confirming the placings with the third, Mr Malarkey, on the revised terms and looks the type who can continue to progress. Masaader finished in front of the selection at Newmarket late last month and found the drop to the minimum on the sharp side at Royal Ascot. Ed Dunlop's charge should give another good account over his optimum trip but Nottingham maiden winner Titinius needs to learn to settle in his races if he is to fulfill his potential. Pivotal Point is one of the least exposed in the field and is therefore open to plenty of improvement but takes a big step up in class after landing a Windsor maiden last time. Merlin's Dancer finally opened his account in an ordinary maiden at Lingfield but looks vulnerable back at this level so Stormont is given the nod in a tight betting heat.
