tracked leaders on inner, effort to track leader on bit over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear, readily
chased leader, pushed along 3f out, weakened rapidly 2f out
led, pushed along 3f out, headed over 1f out, soon outpaced and lost 2nd inside final furlong
tracked leaders, effort on outer and pushed along 3f out, no impression when swerved left and flashed tail under pressure 2f out, weakened
settled in rear, headway to chase leading pair 2f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner inside final furlong but no impression
Mutawassel can give Barry Hills more sleepless nights, with Privy Seal and Gold History expected to give him most to do. After Haafhd's victory in the Craven Stakes it was reported that Barry's wife Penny banished him from the bedroom as he was so hyped up over the colt's 2,000 Guineas bid, and now Mutawassel is set to cause more marital unrest as he puts his Derby credentials on the line. The son of Kingmambo was reported to be still leggy when narrowly holding Destination Dubai at Doncaster last backend, but has strengthened up and has looked the part on the Faringdon Road of late. Entered for the Dante en-route to Epsom, we will know more if he manages to brush aside Privy Seal here. John Gosden has a great record in this Classic trial and there will be plenty supporting his runner. However, his Easter Stakes success was gained in softish ground, bringing his stamina into play, and unless it rains more, we prefer to stick with the progressive Mutawassel. Gold History has done nothing wrong but faces his toughest task, while the other two do not look up to it, so Barry, be prepared for more insomnia!
