Expert Analysis

A small but quality field, but not an altogether satisfactory contest, the pace on the steady side and one or two likely to be seen to better advantage another day. The winner’s final 4f of 56.71s (slower than the 2 who followed him home) translates to a 107.0% finishing speed on ground that was much as described officially (good, tending to good/soft).

MINELLA DRAMA (c151 here, 154 previously) was quite well-treated at his best and made it pay under a front-running ride, never having to go all that quickly, jumping soundly if a shade to his right, winding it up after 4 out and finding plenty for pressure when needed. He did not really go on last season after finishing second in this off 6 lb higher but had plenty of other smart form to his name prior to that.

HITMAN (c157 here and previously) ran well while living up to the first part of his name, making a number of small errors but back there with every chance at the last, unable (or possibly unwilling) to get past. He has not won in nearly 2 years now though has faced some stiff tasks along the way.

AHOY SENOR (c169+ here and previously) caught the eye in running a big race off a high mark, including of the Stewards, who merely “noted” the rather elaborate explanation of jockey and trainer. He was held up and jumped better than usual, though again sometimes to his right, dropped to last but was still going well after 5 out and stayed there until belatedly shaken up after the second-last, finishing well and quickest by some way in the closing stages despite there having been a pretty tepid pace for a long way. His overall record does not suggest he will suddenly turn into a superstar, but this was a big reminder of what he is capable of if things go his way (and his jockey shows a bit more initiative and urgency).

STAGE STAR (c161 here, 163 previously) shaped quite encouragingly and as if the race was just needed, a shade free early and close up until fading from approaching the last. He has won plenty in his time but let down his supporters on a few occasions also.

UNEXPECTED PARTY (c141 here, 146 previously) was 3 lb out of the handicap and not discredited, shaping as if the race will bring him on, in rear early (tended to jump right) but close enough 2 out before weakening.