FLYING CLARETS took a tug early on and then did not give Paul Hanagan an enjoyable time around the bend, but she responded in good style when it mattered to grab the lead close home. Quite heavily raced at two, she was one of the more exposed members of the field, but she had looked promising at the start of her juvenile campaign, so it's possible she is now recapturing lost form.
Formal Decree would have won in a few more strides. A horse who caught the eye more than once in valuable nurseries last year, he stumbled early in the straight and then carried his head awkwardly under pressure, coming across as a not particularly enjoyable ride, which probably explains why Ted Durcan put down his whip entering the final quarter-mile. He came home better than anything else and surely has a handicap in his grasp, but he wouldn't be one to rely on.
Fire Two has knocked on the door plenty of times, and ran up to his mark again, staying on to very good effect after getting outpaced at a crucial stage. This was much more encouraging than his reappearance run here, and he looks well worth a try over a mile and a quarter.
Il Castagno was far fromdisgraced because he finished a long way clear of the sixth after setting the pace. He set it alongside Stainley, who was not able to keep on as well as Il Castagno.
Top Jaro was prominent for a long way before weakening, while Sicilian was disappointing, never landing a blow after coming under pressure around the halfway stage.
Tote
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